🔗 Share this article Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ During a notable rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked. The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami. A Strong Rebuke Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Speculative Rumors The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future. The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.