Troy defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and new defensive end Junior Gnonkonde know all too well what lies ahead as the Trojans travel to Clemson this week.

Koenning spent seven years coaching within the Atlantic Coast Conference, three at Clemson. Gnonkonde spent his first three collegiate seasons playing at North Carolina, where he matched up with the Tigers both as a junior and a sophomore.

“It’s one of the most awe-inspiring stadiums in college football. The way all that goes down – of all the places I’ve been, which are quite a few – I’d probably say Clemson’s got one of the best gameday environments, if not the best,” Koenning said. “(Texas) A&M, then Ohio State. Michigan is probably in there somewhere in the top 5. I can’t think of one that’s neater than what Clemson does.”

With the large crowd and pregame activities, Gnonkonde knows his team will have to focus on the job at hand. “By the time it’s time to play, we’ll be ready,” he said. “We won’t worry about our surroundings, just what we have to do. It’s really loud and a big crowd. Really loud.”

The Trojans. 1-0, will face a talented team led by Heisman candidate Deshaun Watson. Both Koenning and Gnonkonde have experience playing against Watson.

Gnonkonde hopes to carry over his performance from Saturday when he finished with six tackles and was named as Troy’s Defensive MVP in the season opening 57-17 win over Austin Peay.

“I’ll try my best,” Gnonkonde said. “Like I said last week, every game I play, I give my best and try to put my team in a position to win. I’m going to do that again and see where we go.”

Watson won’t be the only player that Gnonkonde and Koenning will keep any eye on Saturday. Mike Williams led Clemson in receiving with nine catches for 174 yards while Wayne Gallman had 124 yards rushing in the Tigers’ week one defeat of Auburn.

“He’s (Gallman) a great player, too,” Gnonkonde said. “I think he brings a lot. We just have to be ready to play and make sure we limit our mistakes and focus on the details. If we do, we’ll be fine.”

The Trojans and Tigers kickoff at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.