🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ In a notable criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami. “They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked. The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami. A Strong Rebuke Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.” The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Future Moves Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game. “It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term. Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.