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: Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei throws ugly interception as season goes from bad to worse

Week 1 isn't over yet, and Florida State's season is already on life support.

Latest start from Astros legend raises concerns over October potential

Verlander's struggles on the mound continued in his third start back from an extended stint on the injured list. The three-time Cy Young Award winner was pulled in the fifth inning of a 5-3 loss to the Reds on Monday.

Florida's season will only get worse from here on out

Florida looked hapless against Miami on Saturday and they still have an SEC schedule to crack into.

Decisive Clemson loss shows how far program has fallen

Clemson was outclassed on Saturday. Associated Press No. 1 Georgia left no doubt who was the better team in a 34-3 win over No. 14 Clemson.

Watch: Nick Saban's heartfelt reaction to first 'College GameDay' campus experience

Nick Saban has already warmed up to his new surroundings.

Watch: Pittsburgh running back wows with spectacular punt return TD

Pittsburgh offseason transfer-portal addition Desmond Reid had one of the top highlights during college football's early slate of games during Week 1.

CFB Week 1 winners and losers: Vanderbilt's stunner, Florida's bummer and more

Breaking down an eventful Week 1 in college football, one which saw plenty of highs (Vanderbilt, Nebraska) and plenty of lows (Florida, Clemson).

Watch: Shedeur Sanders throws 69-yard TD in back-and-forth first quarter

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders came out firing to start 2024.

Young Eagles DB could have bigger role following defensive injury

A recent Eagles defensive injury could be a blessing in disguise.

Patriots QB decision shows how far team has to go to be a contender

The Patriots did right by rookie quarterback Drake Maye. On Thursday, the team announced veteran Jacoby Brissett will begin the season as the starting quarterback.

Fever rounding into form after signature win over Sun

The Fever notched the signature win of their season on Wednesday, snapping an 11-game losing streak to the championship-contender Sun.

Disappointing series finale vs. Guardians shouldn't dim Royals' AL Central hopes

The Royals let one slip away from them with first place on the line in the AL Central.

Cowboys stuck in the past with running back signing

Does Jerry Jones know what year it is? On Wednesday, the Cowboys added free-agent running back Dalvin Cook.  That would be impressive if this were 2020.

Falcons hold on to potential trade chip with surprising QB decision

The Falcons might be playing chess with one roster cut-down day move.

Watch: Caitlin Clark rebounds from injury scare as surging Fever squash Dream

The Fever nearly broke a sweat on Monday. 2024 rookie phenom Caitlin Clark avoided serious injury after rolling her ankle in the first quarter and helped lead Indiana to a 84-79 win over the Dream.

Watch: Aaron Judge robs potential HR with spectacular defensive play

Aaron Judge doesn't just hit home runs. He also robs them. On Monday, the likely AL MVP followed his two-home run game the previous day with an excellent defensive play against the Nationals to prevent a two-run home run.

Malik Willis trade makes Brock Purdy stand out in underwhelming 2022 QB class

On top of leading the 49ers, one of the top Super Bowl contenders, Purdy has the weight of an entire quarterback class on his shoulders.

Week 0 college football winners and losers: GT QB Haynes King stars as FSU's DJ Uiagalelei wilts

College football — and chaos — are back. It only took one game for the unexpected to happen.

Watch: Panthers quarterback Bryce Young impresses in touchdown drive

Quarterback Bryce Young showed the Panthers what they needed to see.

Watch: Florida State kicker drills second-longest field goal in program history

Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald put an exclamation point on the first half against Georgia Tech on Saturday with a 59-yard field goal.

Watch: Florida State uses wild formation for two-point conversion after first touchdown of 2024 CFB season

Norvell might have several tricks in his bag to keep the Seminoles one step ahead of the competition.

Elevator ordeal could be first obstacle of trying season for 2024 Chargers

The Chargers hit their first obstacle of the 2024 season.

Kirk Ferentz suspension adds embarrassing layer to Iowa's ugly 2023 offense

Iowa has received punishment for its recruitment of a quarterback who did little to ease the team's offensive woes.

Commanders sell low in trade that benefits division rival

The Commanders may have just given the Eagles a solution to one of their biggest questions on offense. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Washington traded wide receiver Jahan Dotson, its first-round pick (No.

NFC South draft watch: Buccaneers rookie class stands tall

Which rookies are rising above the fray in the NFC South?