Will Alabama's Decisive Win over Arkansas Silence the Critics?

For those who are not aware of the term, "peanut gallery" in this particular instance refers to the critics of a particular team who call themselves fans and seem to have more insight than the coaching staff, players and mainstream media.

This insight that they seemingly have gives membership of "the gallery" the right to question the starting lineup, play calls and every referee call throughout the game and season.

There is no membership fee for admission to the "peanut gallery," and no formal football education is required. You simply need access to a computer, guidance to a particular blog and ability to hit the comment section, type your thoughts and press enter.

For the 2011 Alabama season, the "peanut gallery" has been repeatedly calling for running back Eddie Lacy to start over proven star Trent Richardson, has asked that Anthony Steen be benched in favor of any number of non-starter linemen and bashed offensive coordinator Jim McElwain for his predictability and lack or innovation in the Alabama offense.

Well, the writer will admit, before anything else is written, that the "gallery" will never shut down for an entire season, but for now, there is certainly very little to whine about.

Nick Saban, McElwain and Kirby Smart made all the right moves in this game, out-coaching, outsmarting and flat-out totally confusing the Arkansas Razorbacks and head coach Bobby Petrino.

The Week 4 Alabama victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks was decisive and laid to rest any critical observations brought up in this early season. The starting lineup included one of the main targets of the "peanut gallery," starting right guard, No. 61, Anthony Steen. Steen and his teammates steamrolled the defensive line of the Razorbacks, which was without question the toughest test of the season thus far.

Individually, Steen held his blocks, opened holes for his running backs, allowed time for bubble screens to develop, gave his quarterback time to make down-field decisions and check downs that led the Tide to victory.

All the while, DJ Fluker, at right tackle, left tackle Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack at left guard and All-American center William Vlachos each did their part to lead the offense in accumulating 397 yards of total offense.

Richardson rushed for for 126 yards on 17 carries, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Only one rushing play with the ball in Richardson's hands went for negative yardage (loss of two yards), and the starting running back for the Crimson Tide also caught three passes for 85 yards. The longest reception was a screen pass that went for 61 yards and a score.

Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain put together a game plan that spelled domination for the Tide against a well-prepared Arkansas defense. And this Arkansas team came into the game with a chip on their shoulders due to a loss suffered to Tide in a come-from-behind win one year ago.

The offense of the Razorbacks led the nation in several categories prior to this weekend's showdown, but they no longer lead in any category following the loss.

The Alabama offense led in time of possession, first downs, rushing yardage, passing yardage, pass completion percentage, yardage per attempt in rushing and passing, field goals made, field goals faked, PATs, and special teams play. Both teams ran 59 offensive plays.

The defense of the Crimson Tide was absolutely smothering to the highly ranked offense of the Hogs and won the game in every category as well.

Having said all this, it is only one game. It was an important win and a win that can be used to build an impressive resume by season's end. A win that leave nothing to question, but it is now in the books and is history. More history is yet to be made, but for now, the "peanut gallery" has been stifled.

"Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer" sounded real sweet at the end of this game, and never in this season could the fans be more proud.

The Tide will travel to Gainesville, Fla. next weekend to take on the Gators in "The Swamp." If the results are similar following the highly anticipated contest, maybe McElwain can forever be known as Alabama's very own "Swamp Fox." For that, we will have to wait and see.

Roll Tide, Alabama! Roll Tide, indeed.