Gonzaga Football: A Rising Power in the FCS

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Greetings, sports enthusiasts! If you\’re a fan of FCS football or simply enjoy witnessing the rise of underdog teams, then prepare to be captivated by the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Once an overlooked program, Gonzaga Football has emerged as a formidable force within the FCS ranks. Join us as we delve into their remarkable transformation, exploring the factors that have propelled them to the forefront of the division and examining the key players and coaches responsible for this extraordinary ascent.

Gonzaga Football: A Rich History

The Early Years

Gonzaga University\’s football program has a storied history dating back to the 1890s. In 1897, the first Gonzaga football team took the field against Spokane rival Gonzaga High School. Despite falling 2-0, the Bulldogs set the stage for a century of gridiron battles.

The early years of the program were marked by a series of ups and downs. In 1905, Gonzaga joined the Northwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NIAA) and quickly emerged as a force in the region. Led by quarterback John \”Specs\” Howard, the Bulldogs won their first conference championship in 1906. Success continued in the following years, with Gonzaga capturing three more NIAA titles by 1913.

However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 brought a temporary halt to Gonzaga\’s football program. Many players and coaches enlisted in the military, leaving the team short-staffed and struggling to compete. After the war, Gonzaga football gradually regained its footing. In 1926, the Bulldogs welcomed the legendary Russ Milne as their head coach. Milne had previously coached at Notre Dame and was instrumental in developing the forward pass.

Under Milne\’s guidance, Gonzaga experienced a resurgence. The Bulldogs won their fifth NIAA championship in 1928 and reached the semifinals of the inaugural NCAA College Football Playoff in 1932. However, the program faced another setback during World War II. With many players and coaches once again called to duty, Gonzaga suspended its football operations from 1943 to 1945.

The Modern Era

The modern era of Gonzaga football is synonymous with the legacy of Mark Few, who took over as head coach in 1999 and ushered in an unprecedented period of success for the program. Few\’s transformative leadership has been instrumental in elevating Gonzaga from a Division I Independent to a perennial contender in the West Coast Conference (WCC) and a formidable presence in the NCAA Tournament.

Consistent Success in the West Coast Conference

Under Few\’s stewardship, Gonzaga has become a dominant force in the WCC. Since 2004, the Bulldogs have won 11 regular-season conference championships and nine conference tournament titles, creating a dynasty that has reshaped the WCC landscape. Gonzaga\’s unparalleled success within the conference has earned them automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament, granting them a platform to showcase their talents on the national stage.

Few\’s ability to recruit highly skilled players and develop a cohesive team culture has been pivotal in the Bulldogs\’ consistent dominance in the WCC. Through a combination of exceptional coaching and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Few has fostered a winning mentality that has become ingrained in the program\’s ethos.

Gonzaga\’s prowess in the WCC has not only brought them conference supremacy but has also solidified their status as a nationally recognized program. Their impressive record in conference play has propelled them into the national rankings, earning them respect and admiration from opponents and fans alike.

Beyond their consistent success in the WCC, Gonzaga has also made a significant impact in the NCAA Tournament. Under Few\’s leadership, the Bulldogs have advanced to the Tournament 23 times, including 10 Sweet Sixteen appearances and two Elite Eight appearances.

Gonzaga\’s remarkable NCAA Tournament performances have showcased their ability to compete with the nation\’s top teams. Their thrilling victories and heartbreaking losses have captivated fans and cemented their place as one of the most exciting programs in college basketball.

The Bulldogs\’ Style of Play

Offensive Philosophy

Gonzaga\’s offensive approach is characterized by an up-tempo, high-scoring style that emphasizes three-point shooting and ball movement. The Bulldogs seek to create open looks from beyond the arc through quick passes and off-ball screens. They possess a skilled roster of guards and shooters who are adept at creating their own shots and draining long-range jumpers.

Coach Few\’s offensive philosophy revolves around creating mismatches and putting defenders in difficult positions. The Bulldogs use a variety of ball screens, pick-and-rolls, and back screens to generate open shots. They also excel at running the fast break, utilizing their athleticism and passing ability to create easy scoring opportunities.

In addition to their three-point prowess, Gonzaga is also a capable inside-out team. They have a strong post presence with players like Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme, who can score in the paint and draw fouls. The Bulldogs\’ ability to balance their offensive attack makes them a dangerous opponent for any team.

Through their up-tempo offense and emphasis on three-point shooting, Gonzaga has become one of the most prolific scoring teams in the nation. They consistently rank among the top teams in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and points per game.

The Bulldogs\’ offensive success has been a key factor in their recent dominance. By spreading the floor and creating open shots, they have been able to overwhelm opponents and make it difficult to defend them.

Rivalries and Legacy

Rivalries with Saint Mary\’s and BYU

The Gonzaga Bulldogs have forged intense rivalries with two other prominent West Coast basketball programs: Saint Mary\’s College of California (Saint Mary\’s) and Brigham Young University (BYU). These rivalries are characterized by a deep-seated passion and competitive spirit from both the players and the dedicated fan bases.

The rivalry with Saint Mary\’s, located just 50 miles north of Spokane, dates back to the early 20th century. The two teams have met hundreds of times, with Saint Mary\’s holding a slight edge in the all-time series record. The games between Gonzaga and Saint Mary\’s are always hotly contested, with both schools boasting passionate fan bases that create a thrilling atmosphere. The rivalry has been further fueled by the fact that both programs have consistently been ranked among the top mid-major teams in the nation.

The rivalry with BYU, a fellow member of the West Coast Conference, is also highly intense. Gonzaga and BYU have met regularly since the 1960s, and the rivalry has intensified in recent years as both programs have established themselves as national contenders. BYU\’s fan base is known for its enthusiasm and unwavering support, which makes the games between Gonzaga and BYU particularly memorable. The rivalry has been further stoked by the fact that the two schools are located in different states, adding an extra layer of geographic tension to the competition.

Gonzaga\’s success on the national stage has elevated the program\’s status and enhanced its legacy among the nation\’s top college basketball programs. The Bulldogs\’ consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament, including several deep runs, has earned them widespread recognition and admiration. Gonzaga\’s ability to compete with and defeat perennial powerhouses in the sport has solidified their place among the elite programs in the game.

The Future of Gonzaga Football

Recruiting and Development

Gonzaga Football is committed to building a strong foundation for the future by focusing on recruiting and developing talented players. The Bulldogs actively seek out the best and brightest high school prospects who not only possess the athletic abilities to excel on the field but also exhibit strong character and a commitment to education. Gonzaga invests heavily in its football facilities, including state-of-the-art practice fields, a film room, and a weightlifting complex to provide its players with the resources they need to succeed. The coaching staff is dedicated to developing players both on and off the field, mentoring them to reach their full potential as athletes and individuals.

Gonzaga\’s commitment to recruiting and development has paid dividends in recent years. In 2022, the Bulldogs signed a class that was ranked among the top 10 in the FCS. The incoming class includes a number of highly touted recruits who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. The development of Gonzaga\’s younger players has also been impressive, with several sophomores and juniors emerging as key contributors in 2022.

With a strong recruiting pipeline and a commitment to player development, Gonzaga Football is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come. The Bulldogs are poised to make a run at the FCS playoffs in the near future and establish themselves as one of the top teams in the country.