El Rival Mas Debil!

In Dutch it is called “De Zwakste Schakel”. In German it is “Der Schwachste fliegt!“ When Italians watch it, their name is “Anello Debole“, but the Spanish call it “El Rival Mas Debil!” As for we Americans, the show is synonymous with Anne Robinson’s voice when she says, “You are…….the weakest link!”

The “Link” franchise is the second most popular game-show franchise in television history, only to “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” No less than 34 countries have had versions of “the Weakest Link”. In all versions, the host wears black clothing with the intent of intimidating the players.

I couldn’t help but think of “The Weakest Link” as I watched Florida get upset by Ole Miss, Tennessee get stopped time after time until finally losing to Auburn, and as a finale, Georgia, wearing their version of all-black in order to intimidate the visitors getting their own lights turned out by the Crimson Tide. As I watched one SEC East team after another get beat by an SEC West team, I couldn’t help but think…..who in the East is the Weakest Link?

The answer used to be easy. It was Vanderbilt, of course. But under Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt is not to be taken lightly. In fact, Vanderbilt is 4-0, ranked #19 in the country, and is leading the SEC East. Maybe, just maybe, Vanderbilt is NOT the weakest link in the SEC East. In fact, it would be hard to argue this morning that Tennessee is NOT the Weakest Link in the East. Of course, South Carolina would have to be right there with them. But after yesterday, maybe the entire SEC EAST is the Weakest Link.

And the West? Well, the AP media love affair with the Tide has already begun, moving them over LSU (#3) with a ranking of #2. The USA Today poll has LSU #2 and the Tide #4. Auburn is #13 in the AP and #14 in the USA Today poll.
This sets up a very interesting scenario for the SEC. Alabama still has to play LSU and Auburn. Georgia still has to play LSU, Florida and Auburn. LSU still has to play Florida, Georgia and Alabama. And Auburn still has to play Georgia and Alabama. Now, throw in the fact that Auburn, Georgia and Florida have to play Vanderbilt, and things at the top are far from settled. Oh, and did I mention that Auburn, Alabama and LSU must play an Ole Miss team that went into Gainesville and took care of business? Or Alabama, Florida and Georgia must play an undefeated Kentucky team?

The game continues….and right now we don’t really know….who…..is the weakest link.

War Eagle!
WJLaneSR