The point of the OP was to say we're on the rise for the reasons stated.  Fresh QB, young talented line, good defense, and a very solid Defenisve Backfield.  Agree with you 6-6 is not where we want to be.  4-9 was even worse.  Given the youth of last year's team, I thought 6-6 is right where we would end up.  I did expect a win against USU and a loss against Wisconsin.  Figured we'd beat NIU and lose to Arizona.  But with a young team, you'll get ups and downs.

The team looks much better talent wise (at least on defense) than the teams of 5-10 years ago.  Bronco got the most out of his guys though and they were always prepared.  He's the best defensive coach BYU has ever had.  But the defense this year was special.  Top 25 nationally is good.  And they're young.  The defensive backfield was head and shoulders better than anything I've seen at BYU since 1996.  And probably much deeper than the 96 team.

I've been very discouraged with the progress of the WR and RB positions.  But otherwise, the team looks young and improving.

Your discouragement about losing to Utah and Utah St is warranted.  But both of those teams have been better than they've been in the past 40 years.  Especially Utah St.  They were a legitimate top 25 team.  Probably would have beaten the Utes this year.  Jordan Love is incredible--and just a Sophomore.