An argument could be made that the ACC goofed by not inviting West Virginia before the Big XII did, but not Rutgers. The ACC needs athletic departments that add quality teams to improve the ACC's athletics product and competitive events. UConn does that with several of its sports programs, and UConn runs a robust athletics department. Rutgers hasn't been relevant in college athletics in well over half a century.

You won't find any of the ACC football powers requesting Rutgers, and you certainly won't find any of the ACC basketball powers doing it either. Rutgers had some competitive football seasons in the watered down Big East under coach Schiano where they won several minor bowls, but other than that I'm not sure what stands out at all. They haven't been to the NCAA men's basketball tournament in 40 years.

For what the ACC needs, UConn is a much better addition than Rutgers would ever be. I wouldn't want Rutgers for the ACC even today. They bring an illusion of the New York Market that cares mostly about men's basketball. Those basketball fans aren't watching Rutgers. Other than that nothing.

Those that want to do research with Rutgers can do so through the AAU or other mechanisms. The ACC doesn't need to weaken its athletics product to do research with Rutgers. The Big Ten weakened its athletics product with Rutgers to capture New Jersey cable subscribers. When that model changes, they will be stuck with Rutgers.