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 12 predictions: Expect a logjam atop the division

The Saints have an opportunity to distance themselves from the rest of the pack with a win against the Falcons, whose season might be on the line. The Panthers aim for the elusive win No. 2 of the Frank Reich era while the Bucs try to keep their hopes alive for a third consecutive division crown.

'MNF' takeaways: Chiefs, Eagles have offensive questions after Super Bowl rematch

The Eagles got a measure of revenge against the Chiefs in a 21-17 win on Monday night following their 38-35 defeat in Super Bowl LVII.

Watch: Safety Kevin Byard records first interception as Eagle in end zone to stop Chiefs drive

Eagles safety Kevin Byard chose one heck of a time to snag his first interception as an Eagle.

USMNT Sergino Dest ripped after receiving unnecessary red card

United States Men's National Team (USMNT) starting right back Sergino Dest was blasted online.

The Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers has already failed spectacularly in one way

The Jets had two goals when trading for Aaron Rodgers, but after the team benched Zach Wilson on Monday for the even less appealing Tim Boyle, one can already be scratched off the list.

Winners and losers from Week 12 of the college football season

Is USC HC Lincoln Riley the West Coast version of Jimbo Fisher? Dissecting the winners and losers from Week 12 of the college football season.

Watch: Oregon offense explodes as Bo Nix solidifies himself as Heisman frontrunner

Oregon QB Bo Nix's first-half performance on Saturday figures to haunt Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham for the rest of his days.

Notre Dame's renewed media rights deal will keep team independent for foreseeable future

Notre Dame will be able to sit out the ever-spinning conference realignment carousel through at least 2029 thanks to their renewed media rights deal with NBC.

Tiger Woods makes major announcement

Tiger Woods is gearing up for another comeback. On Saturday, the 15-time major champion announced he'll compete at the Hero World Challenge Nov. 30-Dec.

Latest development in Michigan sign-stealing saga a reminder of who controls college football

Their power has grown in the era of NIL deals, with collectives funded by boosters helping secure commitments from recruits.

Colorado, Deion Sanders are on right path despite rough finish to the season

Instead of fighting to get its head above water, Colorado will attempt to build on the foundation set this season.

Kansas QB Jalon Daniels' announcement sets team up for big 2024

As Kansas prepares for the biggest game against in-state rival Kansas State in years, the program scored a huge win for 2024.

Five CFB games to watch: Washington, LSU QB Jayden Daniels state their case in Week 12

Washington tries to prove it's a top-four team, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels makes another argument for the Heisman and Billy Napier is possibly coaching for his job.

Big 12, WWE championship belt pairing could make title game even more awkward

The worst-case scenario for the conference is close to coming to fruition, and it will be even more embarrassing for Brett Yormark if the inaugural Big 12 championship belt goes to Texas. In that case, it becomes the SEC championship belt, right?

'TNF' preview: Bengals, Ravens set for pivotal AFC North showdown

The best division in football takes center stage on Thursday night when AFC North rivals Bengals and Ravens meet in Baltimore.

NFC South Week 11 predictions: There will be blowouts

Are you ready for some blowouts? Things might get ugly in the NFC South this weekend.

Watch: LSU freshman guard Mikaylah Williams sets program record in win over Kent State

The Tigers are going to be alright. Freshman guard Mikaylah Williams put on a show Tuesday afternoon in LSU's 109-79 win over Kent State.

Bills hope to channel 2012 Ravens with move at offensive coordinator

Not since the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 has a team fired their offensive coordinator and gone on to win the Super Bowl. The fading Buffalo Bills will try to join them this year.

'MNF' takeaways: Loss to Broncos puts serious dent in Bills' playoff hopes

It's panic time in Buffalo. Meanwhile in Denver, the Broncos under Sean Payton are just heating up. Here are the main takeaways from their 24-22 win on "Monday Night Football."

Hockey Hall of Fame weekend ends with induction ceremony

The 2023 NHL Hall of Fame class was formally inducted on Monday night, ending a weekend of festivities honoring hockey royalty.

Watch: Broncos convert wild fourth down for touchdown

Russell Wilson's fourth-down prayer was answered against the Bills.

Watch: Bills' first two drives end in turnovers

Buffalo had a nightmarish start to its game against Denver on Monday night. 

Report: Saints to bolster pass rush by adding two-time Super Bowl-winning defensive end

The Saints have apparently had enough of watching quarterbacks run all over them.

Mel Kiper Jr. provides update on LSU QB Jayden Daniels' rising draft stock

LSU is out of the playoff race, but quarterback Jayden Daniels still has a lot to play for.

Watch: Mac Jones benched after red-zone interception

An ugly interception by Jones thwarted the Patriots' comeback bid against the Colts and led to the quarterback hitting the bench.