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: Miami QB Cam Ward completes ridiculous touchdown against Duke

Ward added to his Heisman reel with a ridiculous touchdown against Duke on Saturday.

Titans WR potentially set up for big Week 9 due to key injuries

With potentially limited offensive options, one Titans wide receiver could be extremely busy in Week 9.

Indiana Fever move closer to contender status with hiring of HC

The Indiana Fever aren't wasting time building a contender around star guard Caitlin Clark.

10 NFL MVP candidates: No Patrick Mahomes, but three AFC North players make the cut

With the NFL season hitting its midway point, we're checking the pulse on the MVP race. Here are the top-10 contenders as Week 9 kicks into gear. (What, no Patrick Mahomes?) 

Sabrina Ionescu's WNBA Finals injury explains poor Game 5 shooting performance

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu deserves an apology.

Dodgers World Series win continues wild championship trend

As important as Freddie Freeman was to the Dodgers' series win, he wasn't the Los Angeles player with the most valuable name. 

Watch: Pascal Siakam's three saves Pacers from massive collapse vs. Celtics

The Pacers avoided an epic collapse against the Celtics on Wednesday thanks to forward Pascal Siakam.

Watch: Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. give Yankees back-to-back HRs in World Series for first time since 1977

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge broke out of his World Series slump with a first-inning home run in Game 5 against the Dodgers.

Watch: Jacksonville State RB Tre Stewart springs for huge first half against Liberty

Jacksonville State running back Tre Stewart ran free against Liberty early in Wednesday night's game.

Saints receive a positive injury update ahead of Week 9

Saints quarterback Derek Carr is leaving the shop. After missing the past three games with an oblique injury, Carr is expected to return for New Orleans in Week 9 against the Panthers (1-7).

Yankees didn't go far enough in punishment of interfering Game 4 fans

The Yankees' statement was strong, but their actions were much weaker.

Watch: Anthony Edwards has ridiculous first quarter versus Mavericks

Edwards was 8-of-10 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Ravens bolster offense by adding Panthers offensive weapon

The AFC arms race continued on Tuesday when the Ravens traded for former Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

Why Week 9 should be must-win for Saints HC Dennis Allen

Saints head coach Dennis Allen should be in a must-win situation in Week 9. New Orleans (2-6), riding a six-game losing streak, has a perfect opportunity to get back into the win column this Sunday on the road against the Carolina Panthers (1-7).

Paolo Banchero's career-best night leads Magic over Pacers

Magic forward Paolo Banchero had the best game of his three-year NBA career on Monday night against the Pacers.

Spain stars win big at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony

Spain was at the center of the soccer world on Monday night. The Ballon d'Or ceremony was held in Paris, and two Spaniards won the night's biggest honors.

Report: Fever prepared to reunite with recently released head coach

A wild offseason of WNBA coaching activity claimed another casualty on Monday when the Connecticut Sun parted ways with head coach Stephanie White.

Colts' quarterback decision will signal where team's interest lies

Whether head coach Shane Steichen keeps struggling Anthony Richardson in as the starter or turns to veteran backup Joe Flacco will indicate Indianapolis' motivations for the rest of the season.

NFL Week 8 worst QB performances: Cowboys' Dak Prescott flounders in another high-profile showdown vs. 49ers

It was all tricks and no treats for some unfortunate quarterbacks in Week 8. Here are the five worst quarterback performances from Sunday's NFL action.  Dallas' $240 million man had another no-show performance against the 49ers.

CFB Week 9 winners, losers: Notre Dame's playoff chances rise while Missouri's craters

On a Saturday featuring several big blowouts, here are Week 9's winners and losers.

Knockout in main event leads thunderous night at UFC 308

Knockouts won the night at UFC 308.

Boise State's path to CFP clears with Navy's loss to Notre Dame

Boise State received a second boost to its College Football Playoff hopes on Saturday.

Watch: Ohio State freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith scores 60-yard TD, ties Buckeyes record

Smith continues living up to the hype in only his seventh collegiate game.

Watch: Ole Miss scores easy opening-drive touchdown against Oklahoma

Oklahoma's defense was toothless on its opening drive against Ole Miss.