🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ During a strong criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Tension Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection 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 hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked. The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami. A Strong Response Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “In my view his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark said. “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 pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame. Historical Support and Future Moves The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game. “It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future. The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.