Attempting to replace the production of Deshaun Watson (4,600 passing yards and 41 touchdowns last season) is going to be incredibly difficult for Clemson this season, but the quarterback race in Death Valley has been hotly contested.

The defending national champions have now named their starting quarterback for Week 1 against Kent State, so Auburn fans no longer have to wonder who it’s going to be in Week 2, as long as something doesn’t go totally wrong against the Golden Flashes.

The Tigers (from the ACC) will start junior Kelly Bryant in the Sept. 2 season opener, according to Dabo Swinney.

Bryant had an “excellent” day on Wednesday, and Swinney apparently was “really, really pleased with him,” according to a Post and Courier report. “He’s been very steady and made some explosive plays,” Swinney said, adding Bryant has been “so focused” and “so consistent.”

Last season, Bryant appeared in four games. He only threw a total of nine passes, but completed six of them. One went for a touchdown against South Carolina State.

Auburn travels to Clemson Week 2 Sept. 9 for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN.