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: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy completes unreal pass against Indiana

Everything is going right for Michigan against Indiana. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy's escape act against the Hoosiers pass rush late in the second quarter ended with the Wolverines quarterback flipping the football backhanded to running back Donovan Edwards for a 16-yard gain.

Stunning Stanford comeback a reminder of how far Colorado still has to go

The comeback is the largest in Cardinal program history. It's also the largest blown lead in Buffaloes program history.

Sean Payton is somehow making the Broncos worse

Sean Payton didn't hold back his criticism of his predecessor in Denver heading into the season, but the former Super Bowl-winning coach is off to an even worse start as the lead man for the Broncos.

Watch: Houston completes Hail Mary as time expires for wild win over West Virginia

The win is Houston's first as a Big 12 member. It lost its first two conference games by an average of 22 points. 

Watch: Locked-in Trea Turner gives Phillies lead with fifth-inning home run

The Philadelphia Phillies shortstop began Game 4 of the NLDS 4-for-4, including a home run in the fifth inning that gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead.

Deplorable Cardinals working conditions come into focus in scathing report

More revelations came out on Thursday about the Arizona Cardinals' toxic work environment in a report from The Athletic. 

Five CFB games to watch: A Pac-12 heavyweight fight and an end to a memorable SEC era

A heavyweight fight in Seattle. Southern Cal's big test at South Bend. A Big Ten West battle and an iconic SEC West rivalry. Those are among the headline games in Week 7 of the college football season.

De'Von Achane injury is a bigger loss for fans than the Dolphins

Miami's offense will march on without rookie running back De'Von Achane (knee) for the next four weeks. His absence is a bigger letdown for NFL fans whose attention Achane captured with his electrifying play. 

Welfare scandal allegedly involving HOF QB gets more curious

The Mississippi corruption scandal allegedly involving Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre has taken another turn.

NFC South Week 6 predictions: Bucs drop from first with loss to Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers face a pair of division leaders while the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints draw third-place teams in Week 6.

'TNF' preview: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes should feast vs. Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs might hit the over (47.5) by themselves, and Russell Wilson and Sean Payton might brawl on the Denver Broncos sideline. Here's what to watch for as the Chiefs (4-1) prepare to steamroll the hapless Broncos (1-4) on "Thursday Night Football."

Rangers fans chant 'We want Houston' following ALDS sweep of Orioles

Before the Rangers even had a chance to celebrate their ALDS sweep of the Orioles, their fans set their sights on the ALCS and a potential all-Texas showdown.

Watch: Astros take commanding lead in Game 3 of ALDS with pair of home runs off Sonny Gray

The Astros wasted no time putting their disappointing loss in Game 2 of the ALDS to the Twins behind them by knocking in four runs in the top of the first, including three on a home run by first baseman Jose Abreu.

Best fits for five NFL players who could be traded

Ahead of the NFL trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 31, these five players could be on the move. Where could they land? Yardbarker reveals the best fits for each.

Justin Jefferson's injury could push Vikings to be sellers at trade deadline

As if beginning the season 1-4 wasn't bad enough, the Vikings were hit with arguably their most significant loss of the season on Tuesday when it was reported that All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson is expected to be placed on short-term injured reserve with a hamstring injury, forcing him to miss the next four games.

Inexplicable fourth-down call a reminder Raiders HC Josh McDaniels is in over his head

Josh McDaniels continues to tell us he isn't cut out to be an NFL head coach. Las Vegas (2-3) held on for a 17-13 win against Green Bay (2-3) despite McDaniels allowing the Packers an opportunity to win the game in the final minute. 

Watch: Raiders CB Marcus Peters saves TD with controversial dirty tackle

After getting beaten badly by wide receiver Christian Watson, Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters resorted to a cheap play to prevent a Packers touchdown.

Big games from Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama will have Thunder, Spurs dreaming

Believe the hype. Young stars Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama played in their first NBA preseason action on Monday, and the two talented bigs put on a show in Oklahoma City.

NHL takes a step back in diversity initiative with pride tape ban

If hockey is for everyone, the NHL has an odd way of showing it. Days after the league clarified an earlier memo that teams believed was "restrictive" to diversity causes, including Pride Night, Outsports reported the NHL has banned players from using rainbow-colored Pride Tape during warmups, games and practices.

Miami HC Mario Cristobal takes blame for blunder against Georgia Tech

It will take more than a mea culpa for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal to erase the sting of his all-time blunder in Saturday's 23-20 home loss to Georgia Tech, but it's a start.

Watch: Grand slam puts Rangers on brink of commanding ALDS lead

The Texas Rangers have the Baltimore Orioles, the top seed in the AL, on the ropes in Game 2 of the ALDS after a Mitch Garver grand slam gave the Rangers a 9-2 lead in the third inning.

Clutch drive should silence critics of Steelers HC Mike Tomlin, QB Kenny Pickett

Don't doubt the Steelers. Everyone was ready to kick them to the curb after a difficult start to the season, but they are first in the AFC North after coming away with a 17-10 over the Ravens in Week 5.

The New England Patriots are rotten to the core

In this wasted season, the only question left for New England is whom Robert Kraft asks to get the team out of rock bottom.

Report: Two offensive coordinators facing pressure to turn things around in Week 5

The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers have been among the most disappointing offenses in the NFL through four weeks, and if things don't change, both franchises could soon look to make moves at offensive coordinator.

Epic Miami meltdown recalls another terrible Mario Cristobal decision

Miami should have read Mario Cristobal's cover letter.