Who knew the Belk Bowl could turn into one of the spiciest bowl games of the season? But that’s what we have on our hands as Virginia Tech and Kentucky get set to face off in Charlotte at noon ET on New Year’s Eve.

Kyle Tucker of The Athletic reported from sources that, “Virginia Tech players launched into a bunch of profane insults as Kentucky arrived at the NASCAR HOF last night — with at least one Hokie recording and sharing on social media (since deleted) and it was almost a brawl.”

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops countered with this: Stand down, stay composed, let it gnaw at them for a couple days, and “kick their ass on the field.”

Meanwhile, Kentucky QB Lynn Bowden, who appeared to be steamed while talking with reporters, declined to answer any questions about the Hokies.

“I don’t want to talk about them, they be a’ight,” Bowden told reporters, including A Sea of Blue.

Bowden is no stranger to talking about opponents he has disdain for, including arch-rival Louisville, who he called “that team out to the west.”

Dan Rieffer also reported that Bowden said his trip got “kinda ruined.” Wouldn’t speak on VT. “Not gonna talk about them.” He’s pissed, like he can’t enjoy himself anymore because they got him so motivated to win the game. Josh Paschal said never wanna give a motivated team more motivation.

Now that this Belk Bowl beef is nearly a boil, it’ll be very interesting to see how it plays out on the field.