Any team with legitimate college athletes can run the ball. Has to be the mindset NO MATTER WHAT. Put in another TE. Put in another tackle. Run the wildcat. QB sneak it every play. WHATEVER IT TAKES to create a forward push.
I agree, it's been tough. But the play calling didn't help the line out at all last year. At no point did the staff commit to the run. Not counting the closing minutes of a game, I could probably count on one hand the number of times Iowa actually handed it off for a traditional run play (not a stupid end-around to Bruce, or Petras scramble/sack) three times in a row. The run was abandoned far too early. Iowa spent most of the season in shotgun for God's sake.
If the line is no good, more reason to run imo. Pass blocking isn't easy for a poor line either and throwing will open yourself up to many more zero/negative plays and turnovers. Plus the guys need to be able to establish a rhythm hitting out and trying to get a collective push. Hit a wall once and nothing will happen. Keep pounding at it and cracks of light begin to emerge.
Keep the ball pushing forward incrementally. That has to be your mindset if your line sucks. No negative plays with a few short gains smattered in. Hopefully that creates enough time, and space for the occasional shot downfield, dump pass to the TE, or screen vs a blitz.
Even Navy moves the ball vs Notre Dame with the triple option. Whatever it takes.
Owning the line of scrimmage and clock with the run is also a wonderful way to destroy another team's will. They won't get up from this one.
RUN THE DAMN BALL PERIOD
Hmmmm, good thoughts!