Granted, it was the BCS era not the CFP era, so the NCG decision would have been based on the AP poll, Coaches poll, and computers. So perhaps it would be wrong of me to claim the following: with Texas taking a loss to Nebraska in the Big 12 CCG, it could very well be that the decision would be made to put Florida right back in the NCG, since an undefeated "big name" team wouldn't be available.

Very interesting point you bring up, if ND would have passed on Kelly. Maybe Kelly stays and Cincy is dominate for the next 2-3 years after, and ends up getting the spot in the ACC that ultimately went to Louisville, instead.

Then Louisville might be in the B12 today. Or maybe ACC holds its nose and takes WV or UConn. Or maybe B12 takes Louisville, Cincy, WV, and TCU, like Lenville pointed out.