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: Cowboys show how desperate they are with first-quarter fake punt

The Cowboys are in desperation mode and want the world to know it.

AL's Rookie of the Year race was shockingly close

Every vote mattered in the 2024 American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year race.

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes adds hardware to historic rookie season

The accolades keep pouring in for Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. On Monday, MLB announced that Skenes won the voting for 2024 NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year honors.

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola makes bold vow amid team's losing skid

Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola is trying to speak a bowl appearance into existence.

Five numbers that show how bad Jaguars loss to Lions was

The Jaguars (2-9) hit rock bottom in Week 11's 52-6 loss to the Lions. Let's dig into five numbers that illustrate how bad the defeat was, which might have significant repercussions in Jacksonville.

Week 11 worst QB performances: Former MVPs struggle in losses

Even good quarterbacks can have bad games. Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, quarterbacks who've combined to win the past six MVP awards, were among those to have poor outings in Week 11.

Watch: Taysom Hill's TD run, INT highlight eventful first quarter for versatile playmaker

The Saints' Swiss Army knife showcased his vast arsenal of talents on New Orleans' opening drive Sunday against the Browns.

Colorado looks like legitimate contender for College Football Playoff berth

No. 17 Colorado (8-2, 6-1 in Big 12) drilled Utah (4-6, 1-6 in Big 12) in an emphatic 49-24 Week 12 win to keep its hope of earning an automatic CFP bid alive.

Curt Cignetti's extension should keep good times rolling at Indiana

It didn't take long for Indiana's historic season to pay dividends for head coach Curt Cignetti.

Netflix's Jake Paul-Mike Tyson technical issues a problem for NFL

Netflix's foray into live sports programming with Friday evening's Jake Paul-Mike Tyson boxing match was a disaster. It will be the NFL's problem next.

Numbers that show how awful Florida State's season has been

Florida State is feeling the consequences of its awful 2024 season.

Tennessee's defense has opportunity to prove it's championship-worthy vs. Georgia

Tennessee's fate lies in its defense's hands. With uncertainty at quarterback, the Vols must lean on their defense to snap a seven-game losing streak to CFP No. 12 Georgia (7-2, 5-2 SEC) in Week 12.

History, stats indicate underdog Chiefs shouldn't be dismissed

The Chiefs have appeared more vulnerable than their record indicates, but they shouldn't be dismissed lightly.

Sinister Six: Examining the NFL's worst quarterback situations

As dysfunctional as Indianapolis is, it's not alone when it comes to questions at quarterback. Here are the six NFL teams with the worst quarterback situations.

Five former NFL head coaches trending up before 2025 hiring cycle

Several former NFL head coaches could get another chance during the upcoming 2025 hiring cycle.

Bears under enormous pressure to get next hire right

The Chicago Bears' next hire will be one of the most consequential in franchise history.

'MNF' takeaways: Dolphins keep faint playoff hopes alive with win over Rams

The Dolphins and Rams may have altered their seasons on Monday. Miami snapped a three-game losing streak, while Los Angeles' three-game winning streak ended in the Dolphins' 23-15 win.

Cavaliers' hot start continues as team improves to 12-0 with win over Bulls

Cleveland improved to 12-0, becoming just the eighth team in the history of the NBA to win its first 12 games.

Syracuse HC Fran Brown's confession really stinks

Losing stinks. Nowhere is that more true than at Syracuse, according to first-year head coach Fran Brown.

Indiana-Ohio State showdown deserves better than its early kickoff

When Indiana plays Ohio State in two weeks, it will be the weekend's marquee game. So, why is it being treated like a matinee?

Watch: Lions kicker Jake Bates makes two 50-yard field goals in wild comeback win over Texans

Detroit escaped "Sunday Night Football" with an improbable 26-23 win on a walk-off field goal from kicker Jake Bates.