To be fair, USD's non-conference games that year were against Montana, Colgate, and Northwestern. But yes, I'm happy with the changes in the play of our defense.
USD is a couple years further along with their rebuild after a coaching change. They were competitive in most all of their games last year (excluding ndsu) and won a couple games they "shouldn't" have. Looks like the changes are starting to bear fruit. Also, NAU is likely overrated.