Western Mustangs face 'national powerhouse' at Vanier Cup

There's no doubt about it. The Western Mustangs willface their strongest opponent at 53rdVanier Cup in Hamilton this weekend.

Steve Snyder, who joined the team a year ago as offensive co-ordinator, calls Laval University's Rouge et Or "a national powerhouse." The team's record speaks for itself. Theyare the reigning VanierCup champions and havewon eight titles since 2003.

• MustangstrounceAcadiaAxemen81-3 in last weekend'sUteckBowl

When asked to point out Laval's Achilles heel, Snyder suggested the teamdidn't have many weaknesses, adding he'sbeen reviewing footage of Lavalin action for eight hours a day.

Laval is the last team the Mustangs faced when they made it to the VanierCup in 2008. They lost 44-21.

Snyder said this isn't so much a rematch, it's an eventuality.

"When youmake it this far in our sport, you're most likely going to have to cross paths with Laval at some point."

"They're the best team we will have played this year, but I feel like we match up pretty well against them and our guys are confident that we can move the ball on them and make some things happen."

Some of the Mustangsplayers are into their sixth season. Snyder called themlevel-headed and hard working.

"I think we're playing some of the best football we've played in a long time, and I know our student athletes feel good about themselves and where we're at right now. But at the same time, we're playing a really tough opponent and so we're just going in and prepare the best we can this week."

Snyder said his message to the team before the players take the field in Hamlton will be simple.

"We believe in them. We're proud of them and that they're ready to win. They should go out and play for each other and represent a great football program."

The Western Mustangs are offering a ticket deal to Saturday's Vanier Cup. For $15 , the team is offering transportationand a ticket to the game.

Kick off is for the 53rd Vanier Cup isat 1 p.m. onNov. 25, 2017atTim Hortons Field.

Thehalftime show will feature the Trews.