I can see being more intense in practice, it's a motivation for everyone. I played basketball also, was pretty decent in HS, I didn't get up or down for any opponent, and it's fairly physical. But, yeah, practice before playing Vandy could be less intense, and likely is, compared with Florida or Arkansas.
UGA didn't seem to have first quarter issues with Vandy, but they may be historically bad for them.
I do like what I see from Arkansas and Pittman, I think they found a coach to match their style and persona, reminds me a bit of the Dooley teams.