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

Kentucky RB's incredible game sets up showdown vs. Georgia

Davis had 26 carries, 280 yards and three touchdowns. Entering Week 5, Florida's defense allowed an average of 82 rushing yards per game.

NFL hoping Taylor Swift can help build league's audience

If the league had its way, Swift would attend games every week.

David Njoku questionable for Week 4 after suffering burns while attempting to light fire pit

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku was involved in a scary accident on Friday evening. 

Zach Johnson ripped after advice turns costly for Jordan Spieth

Zach Johnson's run as Ryder Cup captain is going terribly. Already facing criticism for the U.S.'s disastrous start to the 2023 Ryder Cup, Johnson made matters worse when his advice to Jordan Spieth backfired epically on Saturday.

NFL has significant presence at USC-Colorado

With so much talent on the field, particularly at quarterback, it's obvious why the NFL would be attracted to USC-Colorado.

Embarrassing Ryder Cup goes from bad to worse for U.S.

On Saturday, the 2023 Ryder Cup went from bad to worse for the Americans when Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler lost in the most lopsided match in the Ryder Cup foursomes history. 

Watch: Green Bay benefits from controversial clock error

Due to an officiating error at the end of the third quarter, the Green Bay Packers were able to rip off a huge passing play against the Detroit Packers on Thursday Night Football.

Watch: Aidan Hutchinson sack stalls Packers drive

Lions second-year edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson came up with a massive early sack on Packers quarterback Jordan Love.

Browns DC Jim Schwartz hints at team's plan for defending Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

Baltimore and Cleveland meet in an old-fashioned AFC North slugfest in Week 4. At least that's Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's plan.

Five Week 5 CFB games to watch: Colorado aims to spoil No. 8 USC's road trip

In Week 5, eyes will be on USC-Colorado early and a Heisman front-runner in a night game. Meanwhile, undefeated Texas faces a significant test at home against another unbeaten team.

Coaches Michigan State should consider after firing Mel Tucker

After firing Mel Tucker on Wednesday, Michigan State can finally put that $95M mistake behind it as it gathers intel on potential head coaching candidates.

'TNF' preview: What's up for grabs when Detroit plays at Green Bay

Sole possession of first in the NFC North is on the line Thursday night. Here's what to watch for in the Detroit-Green Bay game at Lambeau Field, the opening game of Week 4. 

Texas A&M receives troubling update on quarterback's health

The Aggies received a disappointing update on the health of quarterback Conner Weigman, who left Week 4's game against Auburn with a lower leg injury.

NFC South Week 4 predictions: Tampa Bay ends the week in first

The Falcons head across the pond to take on the Jaguars, the Panthers seek their first win against the Vikings, and the Bucs travel to the Saints for an early-season divisional showdown in Week 4. Here are our predictions for this weekend's games.

Panthers season could go from bad to worse with latest injury report

The Bryce Young era is off to a rough start; chances are it won’t get smoother in Week 4. 

Lou Holtz claps back after Ohio State HC blasted him postgame

On Tuesday, former Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz doubled down on criticism of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, adding another layer to a back-and-forth that began when Holtz predicted the Fighting Irish would beat the Buckeyes due to his belief that Ohio State is soft.

Watch: Cardinals' Joshua Dobbs can't order his jersey at team store

Joshua Dobbs led the Cardinals to a massive upset over Dallas in Week 3, but he'll have to wait to get recognition.

Houston hit a home run in 2023 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans swung for the fences during the 2023 NFL Draft and hit a home run.

Dolphins running back claims he could beat teammates Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle in race

Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert believes he can outrun the "Cheetah." During an appearance on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," Mostert said he could beat teammates Tyreek Hill, nicknamed "Cheetah" for his electrifying speed, and Jaylen Waddle, another of the game's fastest wide receivers.

Why starting Joe Burrow in Week 3 could backfire for Bengals

Joe Burrow (calf) is trending toward playing on Monday night, which could be the worst thing for Cincinnati.

Five QB targets for the New York Jets, from least to most likely

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh reiterated Sunday he's sticking with Zach Wilson at quarterback. Based on potentially available QBs, New York doesn't have many exciting options as a replacement for the former BYU star.

How Dolphins' scoring outburst backfired for one fan

Not every Dolphins fan is celebrating after Miami's 70-20 win over Denver on Sunday.

Week 3 NFL QB stock up, down: Is Jets' Zach Wilson seeing ghosts?

In Week 3, Miami's Tua Tagovailoa and Los Angeles Charger Justin Herbert demonstrated why they are elite and rookie C.J. Stroud showed why Houston may have a franchise quarterback.

Derek Carr's injury portends another lost season for Saints

New Orleans blew a 17-0 lead against Green Bay in Week 3, yet that wasn't the worst thing to happen to the Saints on Sunday.

Watch: Deshaun Watson's hilarious gaffe sets Browns back

 Cleveland really paid $230 million for this. Deshaun Watson made an early contender for worst play of the year in Week 3 against the Titans after he faced pressure and panicked, throwing the ball 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage.