MADISON, Wis. (AP) -Northern Illinois' Ricky Crider was taken off the field in an ambulance after breaking his left leg on the opening kickoff of the Huskies' game against Wisconsin on Saturday.

It was unclear how the freshman running back was injured while covering the kick, but he received immediate medical attention about 15 yards behind the play. He lay there for about 10 minutes before an ambulance came onto the field and took him off.

Crider appeared alert and responsive, and several of his Huskies teammates tapped him on his shoulder pads before the doors shut.

Northern Illinois (1-6) has been besieged by injuries this season. At least 13 starters and 20 players on the depth chart have missed at least one game. Eight of those are out for the season.