The Hoosiers are 3-0 and the Terry Hoeppner era couldn't be off to a better start.

But before Hoosier supporters start making plans for a BCS bowl, they need to find some consistency. They have managed to come up with victories in all three of their outings, but the performances in those games have been anything but consistent.

Which Hoosiers running game will show up for the Big Ten opener at Wisconsin? The one that averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per rush against Central Michigan and Nicholls State? Or will it be the one that destroyed Kentucky for 305 yards on 60 carries (5.1 yards per carry)?

Which defense will show up in Madison? The one that gave up 408 yards to Division 1-AA Nicholls State? Or the one that basically shut down the Wildcats?

If the Hoosiers get the performance they did against Kentucky, Indiana could end up in a bowl game for the first time since 1993. If they can't repeat that performance, the Hoosiers will likely end up in the lower third of the Big Ten standings.

The most consistent aspect to Indiana's play has been QB Blake Powers' passing. Powers is 53-for-93 for 718 yards, with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. While the passing game generally lacked the big-play capability against Kentucky, Powers was 17-for-22 with no interceptions.

While James Hardy has rightfully gotten the lion's share of attention for his performance at wideout (17 catches, 266 yards, 3 touchdowns), Powers has shown a willingness to spread the wealth. Ten different players have caught the ball this season.

The Hoosiers will depend on that passing game and hope that Chris Taylor and the running game can contribute against the Badgers. If both of those elements are there, an upset would be a possibility.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Hoosiers appeared to be a quick-strike offense in the first two games since none of their eight scoring drives went 10 or more plays. However, in the 38-14 win over Kentucky, the Hoosiers found the balance and concentration to put together four scoring drives of 10 or more plays. That could be a huge factor against upper-echelon Big Ten teams who will punish opponents that can't hang on to the ball.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: There is still plenty of work to do in this area. While the Hoosiers showed significant improvement and did a great job of playing run defense against Kentucky -- just 77 rushing yards allowed -- this is the same team that gave up 408 yards on the ground to Division 1-AA Nicholls State. Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun probably can't wait to get at the Hoosier defense and it will be up to LBs John Panozzo and Kyle Killion (41 combined tackles) to slow him down.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have a very talented receiving corps. They are young and they're only going to get better. It is a good feeling as a quarterback to know that you can throw it to any of your four receivers and they are all going to come up and make plays." -- Indiana QB Blake Powers

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Bye week -- The Hoosiers return to action Oct. 1 at Wisconsin. Terry Hoeppner has gotten his team off to a 3-0 start, but in order to compete with the Badgers, the defense will have to slow down the Wisconsin running game and find a way to exploit the Badgers' vulnerable defense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Blake Powers -- He is rapidly becoming a solid Big Ten quarterback. Powers has an 11-3 TD-interception ration through the first three games and has been poised and athletic.

KR Lance Bennett -- He does not carry a huge reputation, but Bennett is one of the better kick returners in the league. Through three games, Bennett is averaging 44 yards per kick return.

DE Victor Adeyanju -- He is a legitimate pass rusher. In addition to 10 tackles, Adeyanju has 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

RB Chris Taylor -- After being held to 95 yards in the first two games, Taylor had a 176-yard game against Kentucky in which he averaged better than 10 yards per attempt.

ROSTER REPORT: Wide receiver Lance Bennett (knee) and linebacker John Pannozzo (foot) are day-to-day.