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

Red-hot Syracuse QB Kyle McCord adds pressure on Ryan Day, Ohio State

The Kyle McCord reboot is going splendidly at Syracuse.

Watch: Texas adds interception in dominant start over Michigan

Texas put Michigan in an early hole during Saturday's pivotal out-of-conference game.

Watch: Georgia Tech QB Haynes King somehow avoids a sack on sweet TD run

So far this season, nothing is stopping Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King.  

CFB Week 2 winners and losers: Texas, Tennessee dominate in Top 25 matchups

Texas and Tennessee looked like heavyweights on a wild day of college football action. Winners and losers for Week 2 of the CFB season.

NFL insider shares Jordan Love injury update

Love suffered a lower leg injury late in the fourth quarter of a 34-29 loss to the Eagles in San Paolo, and NFL insider Dianna Russini provided an update Saturday morning.

College football television ratings reveal Week 1's true winner

The Athletic's Stewart Mandel shared a list of the top college football games by viewership over the extended Labor Day weekend. The top six aired on ABC or ESPN.

Same schools, different result? Why Week 2's Colorado-Nebraska showdown won't be a repeat

Nebraska fans are hoping that the sequel is better than the original ahead of Saturday's rematch with Colorado.

Watch: Cubs' slim playoff hopes get jolt with first Wrigley Field no-hitter since 1972

Shota Imanaga started the combined no-no, pitching seven innings in a 12-0 rout against the Pirates.

Three storylines to follow in Ravens-Chiefs opener, including 'battle' of the podcasts

The 2024 NFL season begins Thursday with a bang, a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship Game between the Ravens and Chiefs. Here are three things to know before the opening kick.

Why Broncos corner Patrick Surtain II won't be NFL's highest-paid DB for long

Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II should enjoy being the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history while he can.

Five potential Haason Reddick destinations: Jets holdout could swing NFC playoff picture

With no end in sight, anything is possible in terms of how Reddick's saga with the Jets unfolds. One thing is clear: whichever team he plays for next will benefit from having one of the league's most productive pass-rushers.

Group of Five schools have chance to state CFP case in Week 2

The 2024 season may have just begun, but it's not too early to think about the postseason for Boise State and Tulane.

49ers' double dose of good news sets them up for a strong 2024 season

The Niners have reached the NFC Championship Game in four of the past five seasons.

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.