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

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.

Week 10 worst QB performances: The Bears are ruining another one

Several quarterbacks, young and old, struggled mightily on Sunday. From 22-year-old Caleb Williams to 39-year-old Joe Flacco, here are the five worst quarterback performances from Week 10.

Watch: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama posts two blocks in wild sequence vs. Jazz

Victor Wembanyama did all he could for the Spurs on Saturday night.

Watch: Ole Miss interception seals massive win over Georgia

The Ole Miss Rebels earned their most significant win of the Lane Kiffin era on Saturday. 

CFB Week 11 winners, losers: Ole Miss breaks through

Here are the winners and losers from Week 11 of the college football season.

Latest Zion Williamson update should cause Pelicans to pivot

It's time for the Pelicans to admit this isn't working.

Concerning Tyreek Hill injury update nothing new for ugly Dolphins season

Nothing has gone right for the Dolphins in 2024.

NFL insider suggests NFC South wide receiver won't return in 2024

New Orleans may have lost its best wide receiver for the remainder of the 2024 regular season.

Bronny James assigned to G League as Lakers implement developmental strategy

Bronny James began his back-and-forth march from the NBA to the G League on Thursday.

Florida aims for mediocrity with Billy Napier vote of confidence

On Thursday, Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin shut down speculation about head coach Billy Napier's future. Is keeping Napier the wrong move?