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

Watch: Heroics from Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto complete Phillies' comeback in Game 1

The Fall Classic began with an instant classic. The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros were tied 5-5 in the bottom in the ninth when it looked like the Astros would walk off with a base hit.

NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins suggests Lakers' are in for a long season

The Lakers are last in the Western Conference after their 111-102 loss to Minnesota (4-2, sixth in Western Conference).

Watch: Donovan Mitchell throws down vicious dunk, combines with Caris Levert for 82 points

The team's great start and Mitchell's 41 points Friday night suggest he is fitting in just fine. 

Watch: Kyle Tucker hits two home runs in first two World Series at-bats

Tucker entered the 2022 World Series with a career .280 batting average in 11 career World Series games.

'Mattress Mack' bets 625 sectionals on the Houston Astros

Jim McIngvale put $10 million -- or the cost of 625 Grandview Leather Sectionals at his furniture store -- down on his hometown Houston Astros to win the World Series.  The Gallery Furniture owner is known as "Mattress Mack" and has used his fortune to bet big on the Astros in the past...

Analysts debate Justin Herbert vs. Tua Tagovailoa

The two have been connected at the hip since they were drafted back-to-back in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they will likely continue to be as long as they're starting in the NFL.

Potential 'MNF' nightmare? Bengals' weak O-line vs. Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney

Down Ja'Marr Chase and facing Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, the Bengals OL faces a big test.

Sinking Bucs may be taking on too much water to win the NFC South

No matter how hard the NFC South wants to hand Tom Brady and Tampa Bay the division on a silver platter, the Bucs are refusing their bounty.  Even with a third consecutive loss, there's a strong belief Tampa Bay will still make the playoffs.

Don't expect a grace period for new Duke HC Jon Scheyer

Scheyer has been a key figure on the Blue Devils' bench since the 2013-14 season, and the program expects that stability to lead to a seamless changing of the guard.

New Orleans Pelicans flying without Brandon Ingram

Ingram (concussion) is set to miss the team's next three games after the team announced he won't fly with the team on their upcoming road trip.

Even if the Lakers get their groove back, it won't matter

If the Los Angeles Lakers achieve their goal of an NBA title, they'll need to do something no other team in NBA history has done. The Lakers' 110-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night may have sealed their fate.

Why two divisions could hog four spots in CFP

The Big Ten and SEC are the powerhouse conferences in college football. They've consolidated that power even more this season.

Saints bench healthy Jameis Winston for PFF's third-best QB

Dennis Allen announced Wednesday that Winston has recovered from his injuries but won't return as the starting quarterback in New Orleans. 

When Bills OC Ken Dorsey knew Josh Allen was something special

Believe it a not, a postseason defeat is what made Dorsey convinced the Bills found their franchise QB.

Fisher price: What Texas A&M coach could buy with his buyout money

If Texas A&M fans had their way, Jimbo Fisher would be coaching his final games as the Aggies' head coach. A&M is 3-4, with difficult games against Mississippi, LSU and Florida left.

Former Patriots CB Asante Samuel takes shot at Bill Belichick

"Belichick is starting to show you he is an average coach without Brady," said Samuel via Twitter. 

Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards shows troubling signs for a young NBA player

"I came out with no energy at all," said Edwards four games into his third NBA season.

Aged like milk: Five of the worst NFL preseason predictions

The NFL season isn't half over yet, but these preseason predictions already smell like a glass of milk left outside on a hot summer day.

Seahawks QB Geno Smith hasn’t blinked in the face of low expectations

No starting QB faced lower expectations than Geno Smith heading into the season, but he's guided the Seahawks to the top of the tough NFC West by playing the best football of his NFL career.

What controversy? These Patriots are Bailey Zappe's team

Mac Jones got the start after missing the last three games with a high ankle sprain and the Patriots quickly fell down 10-0 to the lowly Chicago Bears.

Will 'College Gameday' at Jackson State shine light on city's water crisis?

In an interview with "60 Minutes," Sanders addressed the lack of attention and resources given to the residents of Jackson and HBCUs in general.

John Calipari successful in attempt to identify man from viral photo

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari made a warm gesture Monday when he reached out to Twitter to help identify a man to whom he wanted to give VIP tickets to a future game at Rupp Arena.

SEC announces No. 6 Alabama, No. 18 LSU set for prime-time showdown

There’s nothing like a Saturday night at Death Valley, and that’s exactly what college football fans will get when No. 6 Alabama and No. 18 LSU meet two Saturdays from now.

Report: Big Ten football keeping East and West divisions for 2023

Per The Athletic, the conference contemplated moving away from their current East and West divisions in the final season before USC and UCLA are set to join in 2024.

Rex Ryan: Tampa Bay's struggles due to team being 'old and slow'

Per the Philly Voice, the Buccaneers are the oldest team in the league with an average age of 27.1.