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

Undefeated no more: Predicting which eight perfect CFB teams will lose in Week 5

After Week 4, 26 undefeated teams remain in FBS.  With a pair of undefeated games in Week 5, those numbers are guaranteed to drop this weekend. But the losers of Illinois-Penn State and Georgia-Alabama won't be the only ones disappointed on Saturday.

Cowboys All-Pro misses practice ahead of pivotal Week 3 game vs. Ravens

The Cowboys have more than the Ravens to worry about in Week 3.

Bold three-team trade proposal sends former Super Bowl champion to Dolphins

Chase Daniel shared a bold three-team trade proposal on Wednesday that could solve the Dolphins' QB crisis.

Will Patriots keep the road underdog trend going on 'TNF' versus rival Jets?

Road underdogs had plenty of bite in Week 2. It's a trend the Patriots (1-1) hope to continue as they enter "Thursday Night Football" a 6.5-point underdog to the division-rival Jets (1-1).

Braves' late-game collapse against Reds continues team's downward spiral

The Braves let one slip away against the Reds on Tuesday night, putting their playoff lives in peril. 

Unexpected Big Ten team is a dark-horse College Football Playoff contender

The Indiana Hoosiers could shake up the College Football Playoff this season. On Saturday, Indiana improved to 5-0 under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti for the first time since 1967.

Tennessee passing player payments onto fans with absurd ticketing policy

It's estimated that colleges will be able to spend up to $22 million on athletes, and Tennessee's squeeze on its fans is meant to ease its financial obligation.

Watch: Jalen Hurts turns into Superman on Eagles TD drive

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts turned into Superman on Philadelphia's second-quarter scoring drive against the Falcons on "Monday Night Football."

Watch: Eagles first-round pick makes immediate impact on 'MNF'

The Eagles have a gem at cornerback. Philadelphia's 2024 first-round pick, Quinyon Mitchell, had an early pass breakup on Monday night against Atlanta.

'MNF' takeaways: Falcons, Kirk Cousins silence doubters with shocking comeback

How the heck did that happen? The Falcons escaped "Monday Night Football" with a wild 22-21 win over the Eagles. Here are five takeaways from a Monday night stunner.

49ers QB Brock Purdy's job just got harder with brutal injury update

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's job just got harder.

NFL Week 2's worst QB performances: Bryce Young enters JaMarcus Russell territory

Everyone has a bad day at the office, including NFL quarterbacks. But for some, Sunday was a nightmare.

Watch: Ghastly Will Levis mistake keeps points off the board for Titans

Levis' poor decision-making cost Tennessee in Week 1, and it kept three points off the board in a one-possession game against the Jets.

Watch: Saints sharp early in showdown with Cowboys

The Saints dominated the Panthers, 47-10, in Week 1, and the offense isn't slowing down against a much tougher Cowboys defense.

CFB Week 3 winners and losers: LSU is all thrills, Florida State is all frills

College football was like a pinball machine gone crazy in Week 3. Who won the week (it wasn't Florida State) and who lost the week (it was Florida State)?

49ers equipped to handle Christian McCaffrey's absence

McCaffrey might be down, but San Francisco is far from out.

Watch: Alabama freshman sensation Ryan Williams scores fourth TD of season

The moment hasn't been too big for Williams, who has played more like a fifth-year senior than someone still too young to vote in an election.

Bengals DB gives Chiefs rookie WR Xavier Worthy bulletin-board material with bold claim

It's never a good idea to give an opponent extra motivation to perform well, but that's exactly what Cam Taylor-Britt did.

Return of the Pac: Pac-12 building back up with MWC additions

The Pac-12 isn't going down without a fight.

Injury bug already threatening to derail Rams season

On Wednesday, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and linemen Steve Avila (sprained MCL) and Joe Noteboom (high ankle sprain) were placed on injured reserve.

Tua Tagovailoa discusses former Bills players' impact on Dolphins for 'Thursday Night Football'

Early bragging rights are on the line in the AFC East when the Dolphins host the Bills on "TNF." Thanks partly to two free-agent additions, Tua Tagovailoa believes Miami can record a statement win.

Why Oregon is on upset alert in Week 3

Following two unconvincing wins to start the 2024 season, things won't get any easier for Dan Lanning's Oregon squad in Week 3.

'MNF' takeaways: Jets do Aaron Rodgers no favors as 49ers cruise to easy victory

The 49ers erased the bitter taste of their Super Bowl LVIII loss with an emphatic 32-19 win against the Jets on Monday night. While San Francisco was in postseason form, New York wasn't.