University of Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst was asked Sunday what he has seen of junior Scott Tolzien on third downs that has made the quarterback so effective.

Four games into his starting career, Tolzien has put up amazing numbers. But nothing is more eye-popping than his production on third downs.

While Tolzien leads the Big Ten Conference with a passer efficiency rating of 164.3, he has been at his best when it counts the most. Tolzien's efficiency rating on third downs is an off-the-charts 182.8.

He has completed 26-of-35 passes for 295 yards, with four touchdowns and no

interceptions, on third downs. That includes 10-of-13 for 116 yards and three TDs Saturday in a 38-30 victory over Michigan State, which lifted the Badgers to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten Conference.

So, what is Tolzien doing special on third downs? The answer, from Chryst, was basically nothing. It's just Tolzien being Tolzien.

"I don't know if it's third down," Chryst said, "or it's just him."

Some quarterbacks might tense up on third downs. Others might try to do too much. It's a time when everything is magnified, both mistakes and big plays. Tolzien has thrived by not letting anything get to him.

"He's doing good, especially when it matters," junior receiver David Gilreath said. "He goes out there and he competes on third down. He doesn't lose his composure at all."

Third downs were a priority this season, after converting only 38 percent a year ago. The Badgers are converting 54.9 percent (28-of-51) this season for a suddenly high-powered offense that ranks second in the Big Ten in scoring at 36 points per game.

"We do put some emphasis on (third downs)," Tolzien said. "In a lot of those situations, the defense knows you're throwing the ball. We know we're throwing it. That's just a matter of having trust in your line, trust in your guys and the play and (the) system, just making the right read."

Tolzien is not doing it by himself, of course. He had a lot of help against the Spartans from the line (no sacks) and the weapons around him. That's the thing that stood out to Chryst.

"He's kind of doing all you want in a quarterback right now," Chryst said. "He understands the plan and follows it, but that's just the starting point. What he's done more than anything, he is giving guys chances to make plays. Guys are doing it."

Tolzien has made good, quick decisions and the timing that is so essential to Chryst's passing game has looked better than it has in a long time. Not only has Tolzien completed 66.7 percent of his passes (66-of-99), he has been precise, putting the ball where receivers can do something with it.

"It gives you a chance to make a play after you catch the ball, get some yards after the catch, if he can hit you in stride," sophomore receiver Nick Toon said. "That gives you a chance to do something."

When the throws have been off, receivers have helped out Tolzien with nice catches. Both ends of the passing game are gaining confidence in each other. Tolzien is not afraid to fit the ball in tight spaces because he trusts the guys on the other end of his throws.

"Every quarterback has to have confidence," Tolzien said. "I think it's more just having confidence in the receivers we have; just knowing they're going to get open and knowing they're going to make a play helps."

Receivers get excited running routes, knowing Tolzien will find them if they get open and usually deliver a catchable ball.

"That develops more confidence and chemistry with our play calling and executing plays," junior receiver Isaac Anderson said. "We should have the ability to dial up anything and be successful."

In many ways, Tolzien's third-down success is an extension of the even-handed approach he has brought to everything.

"He knows there are some big strides that can still be made," Chryst said. "I like that about him. A steady approach. You hear it too much, but it's real, his highs aren't too high and his lows aren't too low. He's got a focus. That's what's nice about what's happening, this is all kind of (being taken) in stride."

UW-Ohio State set

The Badgers' Oct. 10 game at Ohio State will start at 2:30 p.m. CDT and be televised by Ch. 27, the Big Ten announced.

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