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

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.

Patrick Mahomes delivers high praise to Justin Herbert

Patrick Mahomes is known for doing things no one else can do with a football but even he admits there are some throws Justin Herbert makes that can't be replicated.

Eagles make big addition where they need it most

After getting gashed on the ground in their last two games, the Eagles have brought in some big-name reinforcements to shore up their defensive line.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day updates WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba's potential return

Jaxon Smith-Njigba's return this year is in doubt after Ryan Day discussed the star wide receiver on Thursday.

NFL analyst blasts Bills over new stadium amid upcoming snowstorm

The NFL is monitoring a severe snowstorm expected to affect the Buffalo area this weekend with Sunday's game between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills potentially being impacted.

Shaquille O'Neal's latest theory is literally planet-altering

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has a rather interesting theory about the Earth and the moon that orbits it.

Brian Daboll reveals Dan Campbell's bold strategy when interviewed for job

Per Pro Football Talk, Brian Daboll recalled an incident in 2011 when he was offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins and head coach Tony Sparano had Daboll interview Dan Campbell for the position of tight ends coach.

Watch: An early dunk of the year candidate praised by Magic Johnson, others

Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile delivered an early candidate for dunk of the year on Wednesday that will be hard to be topped. 

Steve Kerr gives surprising response when discussing state of the Golden State Warriors

The end of this dynastic iteration of the Golden State Warriors is near, and the man who has been at the helm is aware of it.

Surprising reason Josh McDaniels' coaching future is already determined

Josh McDaniels will likely remain with the Las Vegas Raiders past this season despite the team’s dreadful start.

Ja rules? Adrian Wojnarowski weighs in on MVP race

Is Morant positioning himself to take home the MVP award this season?

Redemption song: Why Jets QB Zach Wilson is most important player ahead of rematch with Patriots

For the New York Jets to beat the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday, the team will need QB Zach Wilson to redeem himself after a disastrous outing against the Patriots on Oct. 30.

Pump the brakes on Vikings as Super Bowl contenders

A thrilling win over Super Bowl contender Buffalo does not mean the Minnesota Vikings are contenders themselves. Pump the brakes on including them among the teams capable of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

The one scenario that could cause the most chaos in the College Football Playoff

Chaos reigns supreme in college football, but three SEC teams in the playoff? While unheard of, it's in play with three weeks until the final College Football Playoff rankings are revealed.

Three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo makes free agency decision with multi-year deal

The three-time All-Star hit 32 home runs for the Yankees in 2022 and reportedly was drawing interest from many teams.

The CFP laid out the blueprint for USC and Clemson to clinch years ago

When push comes to shove, don't be surprised if a one-loss Pac-12 or ACC champion leapfrogs Tennessee and the loser of Michigan-Ohio State when the final rankings are released Dec. 4.