5. Who Moves the Crowd
The SEC gods haven't done Arkansas any scheduling favors with the Volunteers lately. Since 2019, the Razorbacks have endured the friendly confines of Thompson Boling six out of the last nine contests between the two schools. Saturday's game will be the Volunteers' third home game against Arkansas in the last four meetings.
Payne said the coaching staff's experiences while at Kentucky won't leave them unprepared.
"Their fans come out in droves...the energy in the arena will be ridiculous. These kids can't get overwhelmed by it. They have to lock into the game plan and play hard-nosed, tough and energetic basketball. They will get their feet wet real soon and hopefully they are up for the challenge."
Rick Barnes' teams are known for their rugged defense and rebounding. The Vols survived the pre-conference slate unscathed — including wins over the two teams that gave double-digit losses to Arkansas in Baylor and Illinois.
In fact, only the Fighting Illini gave Tennessee a tussle in the non-conference. The 66-64 Vols' win was the only single-digit game Tennessee has played so far. No team has scored more than 70 points against the Vols all season.
"We just have to simulate how the game is going to be played — meaning they are going to hit you," Payne said. "They are going to set good, hard, strong screens. You have to be able to deal with it and we have to do the same. We have to play tougher around the basket. We have to hit first and not be hit and then go attack balls."