Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 selection,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.