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

UNC continues redemption tour with massive conference win over Clemson

It took a yearlong detour, but North Carolina is a contender again.

Blackhawks announce terrible Connor Bedard injury news

Bedard's injury is a significant blow to the Blackhawks.

NFL insider: Cowboys' Mike McCarthy likely needs deep postseason run to keep job

It might be Super Bowl or bust for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy this season.

NFLPA survey a reminder of how badly Panthers botched their last coaching search

NFL players spoke. Maybe this time the Panthers will listen. 

Potential LSU offensive and defensive coordinator candidates

LSU head coach Brian Kelly is entering a pivotal third offseason in Baton Rouge. Not only must he replace 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and talented wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, but Kelly must also hire two coordinators to lead the Tigers in 2024.

LSU HC Brian Kelly 'cleans House' in sweeping defensive staff changes

LSU head coach Brian Kelly announced some major changes to his coaching staff on Wednesday, firing four defensive staff members, including defensive coordinator Matt House, who served in the role since the start of the 2022 season.

Black Monday preview: Are the jobs of these nine NFL coaches safe?

Who's safe and who should start packing their bags? Black Monday in the NFL is just a few days away.

NFC South Week 18 predictions: Bucs get past Panthers to clinch division

It's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' division to lose. Will they get it done in the final week of the regular season? Time for Week 18 predictions in the NFC South.

Michigan an early favorite in CFP championship game against Washington

It isn't "Michigan vs. everybody" anymore. The Wolverines have oddsmakers on their side.

Watch: Michael Penix Jr. throws second TD to give Washington second-half lead

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s had a pretty sweet time so far at the Sugar Bowl.

Watch: Blake Corum's overtime touchdown propels Michigan to CFP finals

When it mattered most, Michigan put the ball in its best player's hands in the College Football Playoff finals, leading to a 27-20 overtime win over Alabama. 

Watch: Kraken goalie Joey Daccord records first shutout in Winter Classic history

Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord started 2024 the right way.

Watch: Michigan responds to early deficit with Blake Corum touchdown

We have ourselves a ball game. Michigan responded to a rough start against Alabama in the Rose Bowl with a 75-yard touchdown drive to tie the first 2023 College Football Playoff semifinal at seven.

NFL MVP futures: Can anyone catch Lamar Jackson?

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson appears to have wrapped up the NFL MVP award after his monster game in Baltimore's 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins. Does anyone else have a shot?

NCAAB futures: Five best looks for March Madness

With only two months of action before the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament commences, here is a look at five of the best bets to cut down the net on April 8 in Phoenix.

'MNF' takaways: Gutsy Dan Campbell, Dak Prescott-CeeDee Lamb connection highlight Cowboys win

Fittingly for a "Monday Night Football" game played on a Saturday, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys offered up a crazy entertaining affair which contained twists and turns fit for an M. Night Shyamalan film.

Watch: Jimmy Johnson gives awesome speech during Cowboys Ring of Honor ceremony

How 'bout Jimmy Johnson? The Cowboys head coach from 1989-93 finally saw his name added to the franchise's Ring of Honor on Saturday night.

Best and worst from Saturday's bowls: Ole Miss reaches new heights, Florida State plumbs new depths

The final Saturday of the college football season is in the books. From Ole Miss' setting a program record for wins to Florida State making the wrong kind of history in its Orange Bowl loss, this is the best and worst of the day.

Watch: Ladd McConkey's improvisation helps Georgia blow out Florida State

Georgia could do no wrong against Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Even a failed trick play resulted in a touchdown. 

Watch: Caitlin Clark sets Big Ten conference record for most career assists

Clark does everything for Iowa, and on Saturday, the Hawkeyes revolved around her once more. 

Watch: Ugly Drew Allar interception prompts priceless reaction from Penn State fan

The only good thing to come out of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar's ugly second-quarter interception in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss was one fan's priceless reaction.