The Western Mustangs will be in for their toughest test of the season so far this Saturday, when they welcome the undefeated Laurier Golden Hawks to TD Stadium. The game will take place over Reunion Weekend at Western, an opportunity for Alumni to come together and cheer on the Mustangs.

The Mustangs have won three games in a row, with that run including impressive victories over Waterloo, Queen's, and just last week, the defending Yates Cup Champion Guelph Gryphons. That string of victories leaves the Mustangs as one of three teams with four wins this season, alongside the Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Golden Hawks.

The victory over Guelph was the Mustangs most complete 60-minute performance of the season, with head coach Greg Marshall calling it a "total team effort."
The offense was once again led by quarterback Chris Merchant who completed 19 of 33 attempts for 322 yard and two touchdowns. Although Merchant spread the ball around to seven different receivers, his preferred target continues to be receiver George Johnson who hauled in six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Kicker Marc Liegghio excelled against Guelph by making five field goals, including one from 44 yards, while also adding five converts.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mustangs were led by Jean-Gabriel Poulin, who had 7.5 tackles. Also of note was the emergence of second year linebacker Fraser Sopik who recorded a career high 6.5 tackles on special teams and defence.

While the Mustangs played perhaps their best game of the season against the Gryphons, they'll need to do it again on Saturday as the league's number one offence goes head-to-head with Laurier's OUA-leading defence. The Golden Hawks are ranked first in the OUA in points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, and sacks.

Since former Mustang Michael Faulds took over as the Golden Hawks head coach in 2013, Laurier have gone from a 1-7 team to winning a playoff game last year. This year, the Golden Hawks are enjoying one of the best starts recent memory. They are tied for first place after five weeks, and are topping several statistical categories in both the OUA and CIS.

Although the defence may be getting the headlines so far this season, don't forget the Golden Hawks league-leading rushing attack however. The dominant rushing game is thanks to running back Eric Guiltinan, who is averaging just over 160 yards per game this season, good for first among all CIS players. Along with that, Guiltinan also leads the nation with seven rushing touchdowns and has only lost one fumble through his four games this season.

Game time on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. at TD Stadium, and can be seen live on Rogers Cable 13 in London, and online on OUA.tv. Fans can also tune in live on CHRW Radio 94.9 FM and Newstalk 1290 CJBK.