🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a notable statement, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Dispute The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot 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 hurt us in this process,” the athletic director said. The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami. An Egregious Response Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Future Moves The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...” Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term. Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.