Mar 12, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon State Beavers forward Warith Alatishe (10) celebrates with forward Rodrigue Andela (34) after defeating the Oregon Ducks at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
There is a long history of No. 5 seeds being the most vulnerable to first-round upsets, and Tennessee basketball could be one of them in 2020-2021. Rick Barnes himself should know it’s possible. In his first NCAA Tournament appearance ever, back in 1989, his No. 12 seed Providence Friars almost upset the No. 5 seed Virginia Cavaliers, only losing 100-97.