Do you think the 'Stangs are ready for the Vanier Cup? They sure do

It's game time.

The Western Mustangs football team took off Wednesday to face Laval University's Rouge et Or at the 53rd Vanier Cup in Hamilton.

• Western Mustangs face 'national powerhouse' at Vanier Cup

On Saturday, the 'Stangs will play the team known as "a national powerhouse" – the defending champions that have won eight titles since 2003.

Western University offered a game ticket, including transportation for $15 – which has sold out to about 120 people.

Don't worry – game goers can still snatch some tickets online or at the university and stadium.

Here's how some 'Stangs have prepared for the long-anticipated face off:

Dylan Giffen, offensive lineman 

How do you feel?

"I'm excited, very excited. We've put in work for a very long time so everyone is excited.

It's the biggest deal. It's the biggest game of the year and Its what we've prepared for.

Nobody has stopped us yet and nobody's going to stop us."

How have you prepared?

"I go into every game the same way I just have a very calm mentality because if I get too excited or nervous my preparation will just go out of the roof. I need to stay calm and not rock the boat."

Game day traditions?

"Our coach puts us through a little test and he draws up different fronts and we have to go through our plays. I [also] hang out with the guys and just stay calm."

Marc Liegghio, kicker 

How do you feel?

"It's an exciting time. It's my first time being in this position so making it to the final game of the season is always exciting."

How have you prepared?

"I've been sending a lot of emails to my teachers, making sure I get caught up and stay on top of things. This week is football focused so I made sure classes were all sorted out and now I'm ready.

We've had a really strong season and I know Laval is worried we're coming into town to play them."

Game day traditions?

"I like getting stretched out by my trainers. I like getting out early to warm up. I'll get some water in me and some food before the game. When game time comes, I'm all warmed up and not feeling cold on the sideline."

Austin Fordham-Miller, backup defensive lineman 

How do you feel?

"I'm extremely nervous and extremely excited. This is my first year and we're already at the Vanier. Not too many rookies get the chance."

How have you prepared?

"I been working my butt off, during the summer, during the winter you have to grind, grind, grind and that's all I've been doing.

You have to just stay in the gym, stay on the field, keep doing the little things that's really what matters. Like getting up early, doing the work and going to work out. That's what you should focus on."

Game day traditions?

"Just get up, feel good and kick some [butt]."

Jimmy Hawley, defensive lineman

How do you feel?

"I'm a little banged up from last week but I'll feel good when we go on the field. There are a lot of fifth year guys, a lot of guys who are going to age out so this is an important game for us."

How have you prepared?

"We are student athletes and school comes first but you know what it's not every day you get to play in a national championship so a couple of guys have had to cut class early."

Game day traditions?

"Personally you know I like to take it easy, listen to some soft music, get a meal in but we have a few things we do before every game.

We have a little chant that we say in the locker room then we all line up on the line and get a good pump up.

I have a gray shirt that I wear every game so I had to make sure I packed it. I almost forgot it."