Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
