Badgers’ Toon wants big finish

MILWAUKEE – For Nick Toon, the dividing line seems pretty clear.

Before sitting out Wisconsin’s Oct. 15 game against Indiana because of a left foot injury, he had 25 catches for 447 yards and six touchdowns in five games. Since missing that game, he has 30 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.

Toon said his dip in production doesn’t have anything to do with being slowed down by his foot, which feels better now than it has in a year.

“It’s just been a function of the way the game has gone,” Toon said. “I can only control what I can control. My job is to go out and catch the ball and help the team to do that.”

With the Badgers preparing to face Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Toon hinted at some frustration but said team success is more important.

“As a receiver, you want the ball thrown to you on every down, but it’s not the reality of football,” he said. “We’ve been having success offensively and we’ve been winning games – and that’s what’s important.”

Badgers coach Bret Bielema said he’s expecting big things from Toon in the last game of his college career.

“I give credit to him,” Bielema said. “I thought this year he’s really persevered through some things and battled. … I think I would be very surprised if Nick doesn’t play one of the best games of his career.”

A big performance in the Rose Bowl certainly would help Toon recapture the attention of NFL scouts.

“I need a big performance,” Toon said. “I definitely would agree with Coach B. I am looking forward to going out there and playing one of my best games and finishing my collegiate career on a high note.”

And yes, Toon has every intention of playing in the NFL, just like his father, former Wisconsin and New York Jets receiver Al Toon.

“It’s definitely something that’s at the back of your head,” Toon said. “Obviously, I’ve had aspirations to play in the NFL since I was a young kid.”