They finished 41st in Total Defense. BYU was 37th.
32nd in Scoring Defense. BYU was also 32nd.
40th in Passing Efficiency Defense. BYU was 23rd.
8th in Rushing Defense. BYU was 45th.
94th in Passing Defense. BYU was 51st.
19th in Sacks. BYU was 8th.
24th in Tackles for Loss. BYU was 15th.
23rd in Fumbles Gained. BYU was 81st.
5th in Passes Intercepted. BYU was 17th.
50th in Red Zone Defense. BYU was 18th.
55th in 1st Downs Allowed. BYU was 52nd.
68th in 3rd Down Defense. BYU was 66th.

Would you also say that BYU had an excellent defense? The Utes were a solid defensive team. But excellent is not an adjective I think applies this year.