South Dakota coach Joe Glenn says two-year starting quarterback Kevin Earl will miss what would have been his senior season because of a lingering back injury.

The Coyotes are turning the offense over to junior backup Ryan Saeger. The 6-foot-4 native of Heartland, Wisconsin, started four games last season after Earl suffered a broken thumb.

Saeger guided USD to its only two wins of the season. He finished the year with 660 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Earl last year threw for 1,593 yards, with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Coyotes open the season Sept. 5 at Kansas State.