Through the first seven games of the season, one thing is remarkably clear.

UND’s football team is much better than last year.

At this point last year, UND was 2-5 and one of the worst teams in the Big Sky Conference.

While the Green and White’s record is only one win better at 3-4, it is how they have played over these seven games that should have fans hopeful and excited for the future of UND football.

Defensively, UND has been second to none in the Big Sky Conference. UND coach Bubba Schweigert has his team flying to the ball, making stops and forcing turnovers. The defense has given up 22.7 points per game and 334.6 yards per game through seven games. North Dakota also is No. 1 in the conference when it comes to stopping the run, only allowing 126.9 yards per game, and six total rushing touchdowns.

What is most impressive is the team’s play at home. The Green and White are only giving up an astounding 12.5 points when playing at the Alerus Center.

It helps to have one of the best defenses in the conference when UND also has one of the least successful offenses.

UND’s offense is only averaging 12.7 points per game and only putting up 231.3 yards each contest.

While those numbers may be discouraging, things are starting to turn.

The offense has been starting to find its groove in the second halves of the past three games.

There is another large reason for optimism with the team the rest of the way through.

The strength of schedule, or lack thereof.

As of this Wednesday, UND will only face one of the top five teams in the Big Sky Conference — Eastern Washington.

Other than facing the No. 2 FCS team in the nation, it plays the basement of the Big Sky, with two out of the five games being at home.

While not without its flaws, the new era of UND football has gotten off to a promising start, a start that players and coaches alike will look to build on for the rest of the season.

Alex Stadnik is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. He can be reached at [email protected].