to be equivalent. In 2009, our defense was ranked 33rd (and was a Jaime Hill defense). Last year, our defense was ranked 52nd (and was a Howell defense). Given the difference that we have seen when Bronco is the DC and when others are the DC, I don't think that it is a stretch to think that BYU might be ranked 33rd or higher in overall defense.
That said, the big "???" is who will be available for the Nebraska game.