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

NFC South Week 14 predictions: Bucs try to pull even with Falcons for first

A pair of divisional games are on the Week 14 slate. Atlanta can put distance between itself and arguably its toughest competition for the division crown when it plays Tampa Bay, while Carolina might be getting New Orleans at the perfect time.

In-season tournament quarterfinal result a reminder of Pelicans' potential

The Pelicans used the quarterfinals of the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament to reintroduce themselves.

Two future Big Ten programs emerge as front-runners for top transfer portal QB

Dillon Gabriel is one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal.

Top under-the-radar players to know in the transfer portal

The transfer portal has no shortage of big names, including quarterbacks Kyle McCord (Ohio State), Riley Leonard (Duke) and Cam Ward (Washington State). Among the lesser-known names, here are nine to know.

'MNF' takeaways: Excellent backup play, Trevor Lawrence injury highlight Bengals-Jaguars

Cincinnati (6-6) pulled off a huge upset on Monday night as a 10-point underdog, winning 34-31 in overtime against Jacksonville (8-4) Here are three takeaways from an exciting game.

Watch: Bengals trick play backfires in worst way

The Bengals were the only ones that looked like fools on their trick play in the third quarter against the Jaguars on "Monday Night Football."

Tyrese Haliburton's 20-point triple-double propels Pacers to in-season tournament semis

Tyrese Haliburton's incredible season took another remarkable turn on Monday.

Former Notre Dame QB heading back to school to play different sport

Former Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner is returning to South Bend, but this time, he's trading in his shoulder pads for a lacrosse stick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. joins Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. as Heisman finalist

The Heisman finalists are set, and the biggest surprise is how right voters got it.

The 12-team playoff won't fix college football

After the committee botched the final rankings, selecting neither the four best or most deserving teams, one response given by ESPN's Paul Finebaum and others was that with this being the last year of the four-team playoff, complaints are unnecessary. They are wrong.

Saints could be in prime position to draft this LSU QB

Based on the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels won't travel far to begin his NFL career.

CFP rankings set Texas, Alabama up for national title rematch

Ever since losing to Texas at home earlier this season, 34-24, Alabama has declared that if the teams played again, Round 2 would be different. With the College Football Playoff semifinals revealed, the Tide are well-positioned to get the rematch they crave.

College Football Playoff committee didn't pick the four best teams

The College Football Playoff committee blew it. It didn't pick the best four teams in the country; if it did, Georgia would be playing in the semifinals.

Winners and losers from Week 14 of the college football season

Championship Saturday delivered. From a dominant win by Texas to a stunner in Atlanta, here are the winners and losers of Week 14.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers sets Big 12 title game record in dominant win

Thanks to a historic performance by quarterback Quinn Ewers, Texas is headed to the SEC as Big 12 champions.

SEC commissioner shuts down thought of conference being left out of CFP

If the SEC misses the playoff, its teams will only have themselves to blame.

Watch: Texas pulls out trick play to take huge lead in Big 12 title game

Texas is pulling out all the stops to ensure it gets the last laugh.

College football rooting guide for Week 14

Here's a guide for who teams in the hunt for the playoff should root for in Week 14.

Did LSU QB Jayden Daniels clinch the Heisman on Friday night?

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels may have locked up the Heisman Trophy on Friday night. 

Five CFB games to watch: Dark-horse Heisman finalists square off in SEC title game

Championship Weekend features a top-five Pac-12 showdown, Nick Saban as an underdog and Florida State walking a tightrope. Here's what to watch for in Week 14. (All games Saturday unless noted.)

Offensive coordinator hire should give Penn State reason for optimism in 2024

It's about to get harder to win in the Big Ten, but adding Kotelnicki should give Penn State hope it can swim with the big fish.

NFL's flex schedule decision illustrates just how pathetic the Patriots are

The NFL did fans a huge favor on Thursday by taking the Patriots off of "Monday Night Football" in Week 15, underlining how miserable this season has been for New England.

Report: New Orleans Pelicans on the verge of getting help with sharpshooter's return

Believe it or not, the Pelicans may finally be at full strength. 

Notre Dame a potential landing spot for top transfer portal quarterback

Leonard entered the transfer portal on Wednesday, and he instantly became the best quarterback available.

'TNF' preview: Cowboys aim to keep win streak alive with fourth consecutive blowout

Dallas (8-3) enters Week 13 a nine-point home favorite over Seattle (6-5), having won its past three games by 90 points combined. Here's what to watch for in a potential "Thursday Night Football" blowout.