🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami. “They does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director said. The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami. A Strong Rebuke Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Speculative Moves Yormark also remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term. Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.