Last year we were ranked #77 in DFEI. This year, we're #79.
I did go back and look just now. Last year, our pass defense was bottom quarter of the P5 or worse (about 78th), and one of the worst in FBS against the run (like, #128). This year, our run defense is about #23, but our pass defense is about #114. We closed one barn door solidly, but we left another wide open (pass defense got much worse). That's why I said "overall".
If you want a basic stat, we're #42 in total defense this year. But, when our offense is working, it cuts down in the possessions in the game, and gives our defense a boost there. Last year, we were #97. I think the efficiency numbers tell a more accurate tale, though.
Hopefully next season, both are solid. I think we have something to build on, but the overall results aren't there. We aren't losing to Bowling Green and Boston College (but the Syracuse loss was still an upset). We still have to sweat the games against VT, Duke, Syracuse, etc, because we aren't getting sacks and picks
Maybe it's like golf, where you fix part of your swing, and now you're hooking instead of slicing, but your total score is the same. Maybe your swing looks better, but your score isn't any lower.