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

Where does Texas A&M go after firing head coach Jimbo Fisher?

College Station's nightmare is over. Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Texas A&M has fired Fisher with two games left in the regular season. What's next for the Aggies?

Winners and losers from Week 11 of the college football season

Michigan scored a huge win without Jim Harbaugh, Ohio State and Georgia solidified themselves as the most impressive teams in the country and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels made a strong case for the Heisman. Here are the winners and losers from Week 11.

Watch: Michigan interim coach gets emotional in postgame interview

Interim head coach Sherrone Moore was emotional following Michigan's 24-15 win over Penn State.

Alabama, Jalen Milroe are peaking at the right time

Alabama is playing its best football at the most important time of the season, and quarterback Jalen Milroe is the main reason why. 

Penn State HC James Franklin ripped for poor decisions in loss to Michigan

Franklin got outcoached by a team without a coach.

Bill Belichick deserves to be able to finish out season as Patriots head coach

Firing Bill Belichick during the Patriots' upcoming Week 11 bye should be off the table.

Why Jim Harbaugh's suspension doesn't set a bad precedent

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh's suspension is as logical as it is surprising. But it isn't a bad precedent to set that if a team breaks the rules, it is held accountable. That doesn't mean the Big Ten got this entirely correct.

Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers make statement with win despite monster Giannis Antetokounmpo game

Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's 54 points weren't enough on Thursday night against the Pacers.

Five CFB games to watch: All eyes on Michigan in Week 11

Ole Miss and Penn State try to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Bo Nix looks to seal his invite to New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Five players who still have a chance to make a run for the Heisman

With a month left in the season, time is running out for this year's Heisman contenders to distance themselves from the pack. 

NFC South Week 10 predictions: The legend of Joshua Dobbs grows against Saints

The Panthers kick off the Week 10 action in the NFC South on Thursday night, while later in the week, the Saints try to move to 6-4 on the season with a third consecutive victory, and the Bucs and Falcons attempt to snap their current losing streaks.

'TNF' preview: Welcome to the 'Clunker Bowl,' Panthers vs. Bears

"Thursday Night Football" was made for games like the one we get in Week 10.

10 NFL coordinators who've improved their stock in 2023

Midway through the season, here are 10 coordinators (five offensive, five defensive) who've helped their chances at earning a promotion in 2024 the most.

'MNF' takeaways: Terrible Jets offense sinks outstanding defensive effort

The Chargers (4-4) got a much-needed 27-6 win over the Jets (4-4) to get back to .500 on Monday night. Here are the main takeaways from an ugly night of football.

No. 1 LSU women's basketball suffers surprising loss in season opener

No, that wasn't a mirage in Las Vegas. Associated Press No. 1 LSU really got blown out in its season opener against No. 20 Colorado, 92-78.

Joel Embiid makes Sixers history with third-quarter scoring barrage

 Joel Embiid is doing just fine without James Harden. The Philadelphia 76ers center scored 29 points in the third quarter of Monday's 146-128 rout over the Washington Wizards, the most points by a player in a quarter in franchise history.

'MNF': Troy Aikman rips Jets quarterback Zach Wilson

Troy Aikman stated the obvious on Monday night. 

Watch: LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey shows up in style for season opener in Vegas

LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey showed up to the team's season opener in Las Vegas the only way she knows how. 

Massive contract leaves new manager Craig Counsell no time to waste with Cubs

It's championship or bust for the Cubs in 2024. After signing manager Craig Counsell away from the Brewers by giving him a monster $8 million per year contract, Chicago made its intentions known for next season.

Arthur Smith is the Falcons’ biggest problem

For a head coach with an offensive background, it’s unconscionable that he can’t (or won’t) run plays designed for players the franchise used high draft picks on in key situations.

Winners and losers from Week 10 of the college football season

Week 10 was the best weekend of college football this year. Let's not waste any time and get right to dissecting the winners and losers from a memorable day. 

Texas' win shows team's limits without quarterback Quinn Ewers

If the Texas Longhorns are to be taken seriously as a contender they're going to need QB Quinn Ewers at the helm.

Watch: Ohio State takes lead over upset-minded Rutgers on wild interception

Ohio State didn't play like the No. 1 team in the country on Saturday, making Jordan Hancock's wild third-quarter interception against Rutgers one of the biggest plays of Week 10's early window of games.

Could massive Montez Sweat extension tip Bears' hand at quarterback?

The Bears didn't waste time signing Montez Sweat to an extension after adding him at the trade deadline. The massive contract could signal the team's direction at quarterback following the season.