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

Iowa State defense proves to be championship-caliber in blowout win over Baylor

Iowa State showed why it's on the shortlist of men's college basketball national championship hopefuls with an emphatic win over conference rival Baylor.

Ravens-Browns takeaways: Action-packed game begins Week 18

Here are our takeaways from the first game of the Week 18 slate.

Updated NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds shows why league needs a Most Improved Player category

Darnold has been excellent for the Vikings (14-2), but based on the Associated Press's voting criteria, he should be ineligible for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

Biggest AFC Pro Bowl snubs: Broncos D-lineman is a glaring miss

On Thursday, the NFL revealed the 2025 Pro Bowl Games rosters. Here are five AFC players with the biggest gripes about not making the initial cut.

Five best NFL fits for ASU running back Cam Skattebo

After Cam Skattebo's exhilarating performance in the Peach Bowl, more than a few NFL front offices were probably daydreaming about how he'd look in their offense. 

Biggest NFC Pro Bowl snubs: Lions star safety's omission a genuine head-scratcher

These NFC players should have the biggest gripes about not making the initial cut.

Watch: Cam Skattebo does it all as Arizona State storms back to tie game

After a frustrating first half, Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo willed the Sun Devils into a tie with Texas at the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Peach Bowl.

CFP quarterfinal takeaways: Quinn Ewers comes through when Texas needs him most

The expanded College Football Playoff finally delivered a classic.

Watch: Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo loses composure during first half against Texas

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo's bark was bigger than his bite during the first half of Wednesday's Peach Bowl against Texas.

Watch: Quinn Ewers leads Texas on opening-drive TD against Arizona State

With 2023 five-star recruit Arch Manning as his backup, Ewers needed a strong start to quell calls for him to be replaced.

Quinn Ewers has easy decision to make based on NIL report

The decision should be a no-brainer for Ewers, who could also declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Watch: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier sharp early against Baylor

Nussmeier is putting together another masterful bowl performance.

Watch: Michigan takes early two-possession lead against SEC darling Alabama

Michigan proved the College Football Playoff committee correct early in the ReliaQuest Bowl against CFP No. 11 Alabama.

'MNF' takeaways: Lions keep their foot on the gas in high-scoring win over 49ers

The Lions kept pace with the division-rival Vikings for first in the NFC with a come-from-behind, 40-34, win over the 49ers.

Watch: Lions' hook-and-ladder TD cuts into 49ers' 'MNF' lead

The Lions aren't taking their meaningless "Monday Night Football" game against the 49ers lightly.

Big 12 delivers chaos early with Kansas State's upset win over Cincinnati

It didn't take long for Big 12 basketball to deliver chaos.

Ja Morant's injury another test for resurgent Grizzlies

Ja Morant's sprained shoulder puts a hitch in the resurgent Grizzlies' ride back to the playoffs.

Arizona State RB makes bold proclamation ahead of Peach Bowl

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo challenged the Longhorns defense on Monday.

Week 17 worst QB performances: Aaron Rodgers' Jets tenure has run its course

Spencer Rattler, Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Cooper Rush disappointed with poor games in losses.

CFB Saturday bowl game winners, losers: Pop-Tarts Bowl delivers; Cam Ward's decision puzzles

Here are our winners and losers from the most wonderful day of the college football bowl year.

Chargers-Patriots takeaways: Ladd McConkey shines in blowout win

Here are five takeaways from the Chargers' romp.

NBA hands out suspensions for fight between Suns, Mavericks

After their Friday night fight, the NBA didn't wait long to punish several players.

Watch: Patriots QB Drake Maye shakes off early exit with remarkable TD pass

Maye shook off an early absence in Saturday's game against the Chargers with an incredible touchdown pass.

Dolphins' slim playoff hopes take huge hit with concerning Tua Tagovailoa update

The Dolphins have struggled mightily without Tagovailoa.