Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
