Second-ranked Clemson continues to use this week to prepare for its third top 15 matchup in five games, as they travel to Blacksburg, Va., to take on No. 12 Virginia Tech in ABC’s Primetime game this Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lane Stadium.

In last Saturday’s 34-7 victory over Boston College, the Eagles were able to pressure quarterback Kelly Bryant, sacking him twice and causing an interception. Redshirt graduate and first-year starting center, Justin Falcinelli knows that cannot happen this weekend.

“I think a lot of it had to do with Boston College’s coverage was very good, so Kelly needed a little more time to release the ball,” Falcinelli said. “It’s hard to contain people for that long, so he had to start scrambling to try to make time.”

Falcinelli understands how challenging the Hokies’ defense will be led by long-time defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who Clemson’s Jeff Scott said has one of the “best defensive minds in college football.” However, Clemson’s offensive line is going into the game confident as the Tigers rushed for 342 yards against Boston College.

“That was awesome,” Falcinelli said. “It was something that I’m really glad we accomplished because it was something last year we may have had some trouble with at times… but that was incredible. To have the faith and belief from our coaches that they will put the game on us was great.”

Over the course of Clemson’s first four games of the season, it’s clear the Tigers’ running-game has been most productive when it comes to scoring as all five touchdowns against Boston College were rushing touchdowns.

“To be able to be really consistent with the run game, that’s great with our running backs too,” said Falcinelli. “They are all smart guys who run really well. To have them back there, to have Kelly (Bryant) back there; Kelly’s a great runner. All of that makes it easier for us.”

Freshman running back Travis Etienne has emerged from the dark as he rushed for 113 yards last Saturday with two touchdowns including a 50-yard touchdown. Having someone so speedy and agile relieves Falcinelli as well as the rest of the offensive line.

“It’s a great feeling to have a guy like Travis back there,” he said. We know that we don’t have to be perfect. We strive to be perfect but to have a guy back there who can make plays and makeup for any shortcomings we have…it’s a great feeling to have a guy like that.”

Etienne was not the only one who surprised fans Saturday as left guard Taylor Hearn was the second leader in yard-per-carry Saturday when he recovered a Bryant fumble and rushed for 12 yards, giving Clemson a first down.

“That was amazing because that’s happened to Taylor in practice a couple of times before,” said Falcinelli. “In a spring game two years ago there was a tipped pass, he caught it and went 10 yards for a first down. So it was funny because I turned and I saw the ball and then I saw Taylor under it. I knew he was about to go so I just started to block.”

Falcinelli knows how much hype is added to a prime-time game but Clemson is used to playing on the road in the spotlight so this week does not present any extra challenges for them from that standpoint.

“I can see how not being used to it, you could get a little star struck,” he said. “But that’s how we’ve done everything for the past couple of year so we are used to it now.”