Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Report shows stark difference between Justin Fields, Zach Wilson

Wilson, under fire for refusing to take accountability after an atrocious performance in Week 11, is looking even worst after a new report highlighted the difference in how the Jets QB and fellow 2021 draftee Justin Fields handled adversity.

Former Panthers HC Matt Rhule opens up about what went wrong in Carolina

Rhule flamed out in the pros, and his comments aren't going to make his tenure look much better in hindsight. He still has plenty to offer a college program, and he's going to remind anyone who will listen. 

Lane Kiffin trolls reporter after rumor spreads over coaching future

A brush fire ignited on Twitter Monday night when journalist Jon Sokoloff tweeted that Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was resigning from his current job and taking the open position at Auburn.

Two schools emerge as possible landing spots for Deion Sanders

Two new potential suitors have emerged for Sanders as his name continues to provide intrigue amid college football's coaching carousel. 

'Let's go Joe!': Jets receive flak for sticking with Zach Wilson

The calls are growing louder for the New York Jets to put Joe Flacco in at quarterback over Zach Wilson after the young QB's errors.

Watch: Timothy Weah gives USMNT early lead on first U.S. World Cup goal since 2014

The goal came 36 minutes into the match on an assist from Christian Pulisic and gave the USA a 1-0 lead in its opening match of the 2022 World Cup.

Just for kicks: Taylor Heinicke's shoe collection grows with every win

The decision to stick with Heinicke means he will have plenty more opportunities to add to his growing shoe collection. Heinicke is 4-1 in five starts in 2022.

Bad weekend for New York football: Giants', Jets' playoff hopes in doubt

The Giants' and Jets' paths to the postseason just got a lot harder. If both fail to make the playoffs, we'll look back to this past weekend as the beginning of the end.

Dan Orlovsky examines embarrassing play that demonstrates Zach Wilson's struggles

As the dust settles from the New York Jets' loss to the New England Patriots, it's even clearer how much the Jets -- and QB Zach Wilson in particular -- struggled.

Watch: After halftime, Denver hits buzzer beater to end first half

Luka Doncic made what appeared to be a three-pointer at the buzzer leading to halftime of Dallas' game against Denver. The two teams went to the locker room believing the Mavericks held a 59-52 lead. When officials reviewed the play, however, they found Doncic stepped out of bounds, nullifying the shot and resulting in a turnover with two seconds left in the first half.

Vikings loss snaps Kirk Cousins' touchdown streak

Entering Sunday, Kirk Cousins held the active streak for most consecutive games played with a touchdown thrown. The Cowboys put an end to the streak in a dominant 40-3 win.

T.J. Watt did what?! Steelers defender comes up with unbelievable play

 T.J. Watt made one of the best interceptions you'll see all season on Sunday against Cincinnati.

Robert Saleh gives brutally honest assessment of Jets offense

Robert Saleh held nothing back when giving his opinion on how the New York Jets performed on offense against New England on Sunday.

Jameis Winston opens up about losing starting job

Winston expressed frustration over how things have played out in New Orleans this season.

Caleb Williams has Heisman moment in win over UCLA

USC's huge win over crosstown rival UCLA keeps the Trojans in the hunt for a date in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Heisman Trophy voters likely took notice as well.

Outpouring of support rolls in for QB Hendon Hooker following injury in loss to South Carolina

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker gained a lot of fans this season with his spectacular play. They paid respect to the QB after he suffered a lower-body non-contact injury in the fourth quarter of the team's 63-38 loss to South Carolina and didn't return.

Michigan-Ohio State to meet undefeated for first time since 2006

It wasn't pretty for either team, but the stage is set for a beautiful showdown next Saturday when undefeated Michigan travels to undefeated Ohio State. The last time the teams met when both were 11-0 was in 2006 when Ohio State won a thriller, 42-39.

Vanderbilt shockingly wins second consecutive SEC game

Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off an SEC upset in back-to-back weeks, marking the hottest stretch in the football program in years. Before last Saturday's win against Kentucky (6-4, 3-4 in SEC), Vanderbilt lost 26 consecutive SEC games.

Jim Harbaugh provides update on Blake Corum after Michigan narrowly beats Illinois

Michigan lost running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Blake Corum in the second quarter. Losing a player of that caliber is always worrisome, but especially so for Michigan with a game against Ohio State a week away.

TCU beats Baylor on late FG despite questionable late clock management

TCU (11-0, 8-0 in Big 12) faces Iowa State (4-6, 1-6 in Big 12) next week before the Big 12 title game on Dec. 3.

Saints reveal why Cameron Jordan's incredible ironman streak will come to an end

Jordan entered the league in 2011 and played in every game from Sep. 8, 2011 to Nov. 13, 2022 with the lone exception being a Dec. 12, 2021 game against the New York Jets due to COVID-19 protocols.

SEC commissioner gives update on conference realignment with Oklahoma, Texas additions looming

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey floated the idea of scrapping divisions altogether when Oklahoma and Texas join the conference.

AP's new voting procedure could have major implications on NFL awards

Beginning this season, voters will rank five candidates in Most Valuable Player voting and three candidates in each of the following: Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year and Coach of the Year.

The one bright spot for a dismal season in Green Bay

Christian Watson is showing promise after a rough start to his rookie season. 

Kyle Pitts stop: Why Falcons TE's rough 2022 has nothing to do with him

Atlanta is doing Pitts a disservice, and it's imperative the team figures out how to best utilize its star tight end sooner rather than later.