This is the question being debated around college football this week and I found some data that might add weight to the "yes" side of the argument. I can attest to the emotional side of the debate, as I lived for a few years near the Rutgers campus and watched football in the NYC TV market. The Scarlet Knights have a sizable fan base, in spite of their modest success.
This post on the NY Times college sports blog is very enlightening. This could hint at why the ACC is looking at Rutgers as the 16th member and not some other school. It could also bolster the argument for ECU.