College Football Injuries: Northwestern's secondary ailing after Nebraska loss

Already one of the team's weaker units, the Northwestern Wildcats secondary will likely be a major focus of opposing offensive coordinators going forward as injuries pile up this month. In Saturday's heartbreaking loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Northwestern cornerbacks Nick VanHoose and Quinn Evans both left due to injuries.

At this point, it's unclear how severe the respective ailments are, but the Wildcats' secondary depth will clearly be tested going forward. As Chris Emma of FOX Sports noted after the game, neither player was looking so hot:

Nick VanHoose had right arm in sling; Quinn Evans helped off field following game. #Northwestern cornerback depth in trouble.

— Chris Emma (@CEmmaFOX) October 20, 2012

Even before the injuries, there were significant question marks surrounding a Northwestern secondary that's given up big performances this year to the likes of Taylor Martinez, Ryan Nassib, Chase Rettig and Matt McGloin, so those concerns are only being compounded at this point.

Luckily, the Wildcats are facing one of the worst passing offenses in the nation next week when they host the Iowa Hawkeyes. Through seven weeks, Iowa ranks 103rd nationally in passing offense, a stunning figure after starting quarterback James Vandenberg threw for 3,022 yards, 25 touchdowns and just seven interceptions last year.