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: Explosive Texas rushing attack gives Longhorns sizable halftime CFP lead over Clemson

Texas' running game was a major question mark at the beginning of the season, but it's become the team's strength in the postseason.

CFP takeaways: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian finds recipe for success in win over Clemson

Five-seed Texas (12-2) made home teams 3-0 in the first round of the College Football Playoff with a 38-24 win over Clemson (10-4), the closest of the three opening-round games.

Young Saints have chance to prove themselves on 'MNF'

The New Orleans Saints might receive a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Future this Monday.

Texans star WR suffers brutal injury after making incredible TD catch

Houston scored a touchdown, but the injury quickly overshadowed it.

Watch: Patrick Mahomes quiets concerns about ankle with TD run vs. Texans

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes's ankle looked fine on his 15-yard touchdown run against the Texans.

Georgia has concerning outlook for QB Carson Beck in CFP

Georgia's road to the College Football Playoff national championship just got harder.

CFP Preview: Running backs could decide Tennessee-Ohio State

Don't sleep on 9-seed Tennessee (10-2) and 8-seed Ohio State (10-2). Both teams have excellent backfields. And whichever one has the best game in Saturday's primetime showdown could determine who leaves Columbus a winner. 

Chiefs WR receives positive injury update amid lingering Patrick Mahomes questions

While the Chiefs await official word on quarterback Patrick Mahomes' status for Week 16, a significant offensive weapon is set to make his season debut against the Texans.

CFP preview: Pressure is on Penn State, James Franklin at home against SMU

Besides Ohio State coach Ryan Day, is any College Football Playoff head coach under more pressure than Penn State's James Franklin?

Five potential Kirk Cousins destinations in 2025

On Tuesday, Atlanta benched 13-year veteran Kirk Cousins less than one season into a four-year, $180 million contract he signed in March.

Colorado primed to continue 2024 success after adding excellent QB through transfer portal

The Buffaloes also have incoming four-star quarterback recruit Julian Lewis headed to Boulder.

QB decision puts pressure on Falcons GM Terry Fontenot

Fontenot constructed three 7-10 rosters from 2021-23. At 7-7 this season, the Falcons could still make it four of four.

Weak 2025 NFL Draft class is good news for Sam Darnold

It's slim pickings for quarterback-needy teams in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. This spring's seller's market is incredible news for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

CFP preview: Where 12-seed Clemson has an advantage over 5-seed Texas

The first-round playoff game will take place on Saturday. 

CFP first-round preview: Indiana-Notre Dame is a matchup of strength vs. strength

Indiana's efficient, potent passing attack against Notre Dame's staunch secondary. The Fighting Irish's dynamic rushing offense battling the Hoosiers' stringent defensive front. Friday's in-state battle has all of the ingredients necessary to be the best game of the CFP first round.

Rest of 2024 season an audition for Spencer Rattler in New Orleans

The rest of regular season could be an audition for Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler.

'MNF' takeaways: Watch out for the Vikings in the NFC North

The Vikings pulled even with the Lions for first in the NFC North with an easy 30-12 win over the Bears. Here are five takeaways from one of two Monday night games on the Week 15 schedule. 

Colorado HC Deion Sanders scores major transfer portal win

Colorado made a significant transfer portal addition as it braces to lose some integral players.

Watch: Justin Jefferson TD gives red-hot Vikings double-digit 'MNF' lead

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is heating up at the right time. 

Michael Vick, Sacramento State rumors benefit both parties

Whether or not Vick ends up at Sacramento State, both should benefit from being in the spotlight. 

Why Chiefs should shut Patrick Mahomes down for rest of regular season

With the two-time MVP "week-to-week" after suffering a high-ankle sprain against Cleveland in Week 15's 21-7 win, Kansas City shouldn't risk making a bad situation worse.

Top 10 CFB bowl trophies: Pop-Tarts Bowl's 2024 upgrade sets it apart

The Pop-Tarts Bowl unveiled its glorious 2024 trophy on Sunday, making us wonder where it ranks among the best trophies handed out during bowl season.

Week 15 worst QB performances: Tua Tagovailoa clunker sinks Dolphins' playoff hopes

Five NFL quarterbacks put themselves on Santa's naughty list with rotten weekends. From Tua Tagovailoa crushing Miami's postseason dreams to the ship sailing on Will Levis as an NFL starter, here are Sunday's worst quarterback performances.

Inexplicable clock stoppage nearly costs Commanders in squeaker over Saints

An officiating blunder nearly had disastrous consequences for the Commanders in their 20-19 win over the Saints.