Coming into the ACC, I think Cincinnati would be competitive in football straight away. They've put up a pretty good record the past six seasons, and, looked good out of the gate last week. They've made good head coaching hires as each successive coach has moved on, and now, they have one who is a proven winner at the highest level of the sport. The results speak for themselves.
UConn needed a good new HC after Edsall left. They didn't get one. Theres no energy around the program, from what the guys here, and, fans on their Rivals board, say. They've been to a BCS bowl, less than 10 years after getting into the FBS. Thats pretty danged good. The state of Connecticut produces decent HSFB talent, and, they need somebody to keep it at home. Had they continued on with what Edsall had gotten them to, they'd be in the ACC right now. Theres no disputing that.
If we ever get to 16 teams, they will be that team, IMHO. It just makes too much sense to not lock down New England, and, the northeast, at the same time, by taking them. It locks up the east coast for the ACC, and, effectively locks the B1G out. Win-win. Not to mention what their hoops programs and Olympic sports would do for any future ACCN.