The much anticipated vice presidential debate takes place tonight beginning 9 p.m. ET. The debate, happening from Centre College in Danville, Ky., can be viewed live through the player below.

So how well prepared are Joe Biden and Paul Ryan for the 90-minute debate?

According to CNN, GOP vice presidential candidate Ryan has been studying about 40 pounds of paperwork nonstop.

"I do a lot of reading, that's what I've always done – briefings and reading," Ryan told CNN.

He has also done "lots of mock debates" with Ted Olson, former solicitor general.

Though facing off against a much more experienced Biden who has debated on the national stage many times, Ryan said he is not feeling intimidated.

"I'm actually excited about it. I came to Congress when I was 28 years old. I'm used to debating people who are older," he told CNN.

As for Biden, the seasoned senator and debater is expected to come out strong and aggressive tonight, as he follows what many have called a weak performance by President Obama in his debate last week.

"The vice president will speak directly to the American people about the progress we've made over the past four years and a concrete Obama-Biden plan to continue creating an economy that works for the middle class. And Joe Biden, as he always does, will speak the truth," Obama campaign manager Jim Messina said, as he promised a "robust debate."

John Heckenlively, a former Democratic congressional candidate who debated Ryan in 2010, had some advice for Biden.

"If Biden is smart, he should probably go out of his way to treat Ryan with respect," he said, according to Yahoo News. "There's a dramatic age difference between these two guys. If Biden comes off as the old guy lecturing the kid, that might actually generate some sympathy for Ryan."

Tonight's debate moderator is Martha Raddatz, senior foreign affairs correspondent for ABC News. Live streaming is available at 8 p.m. ET. The debate begins at 9 p.m.