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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

September 24, 2023 | NFL

Watch: Green Bay's disastrous failed fourth down conversion against Saints

Green Bay needs to spend some extra time this week on its fourth down plays. Facing a fourth-and-two from the Saints' 44-yard line on their opening drive, the Packers failed to convert when their trick play didn't go as planned.

September 24, 2023 | Green Bay Packers

Brutal inactive list puts more pressure on Packers' Jordan Love in home debut

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love's first start at Lambeau Field just got much tougher.

September 23, 2023 | College Football

Winners and losers from Week 4 of the college football season

Celebrating the winners and losers of Week 4 of the college football season.

September 23, 2023 | College Football

Watch: Oregon HC Dan Lanning ruthlessly calls out Colorado in pregame speech

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning took a shot at Colorado during his pregame speech, telling his team that the Buffaloes are "fighting for clicks. We're fighting for wins."

September 23, 2023 | College Football

Watch: Clemson kicker misses chip-shot field goal, Tigers fall to Florida State in OT

Clemson was oh so close to knocking off No. 4 Florida State on Saturday, but a late missed chippie field goal and some inexplicable play-calling decisions doomed the Tigers to a brutal overtime loss.

September 23, 2023 | Texas A&M Aggies

Watch: QB Max Johnson sparks Texas A&M offense following Conner Weigman injury

Max Johnson was forced into action after starter Conner Weigman injured his ankle and provided a huge spark.

September 23, 2023 | College Football

Watch: Rutgers scores in opening minute of Jim Harbaugh's return at Michigan

One minute into No. 2 Michigan's home Big Ten opener against Rutgers (3-0), Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt connected with wide receiver Christian Dremel on a 69-yard touchdown.

September 23, 2023 | Colorado Buffaloes

Why Deion Sanders might not remain at Colorado for long

The Buffaloes need to enjoy this ride while it lasts because it's only a matter of time before bigger fish come calling for Sanders.

September 21, 2023 | Dallas Cowboys

Trevon Diggs injury puts even bigger spotlight on Micah Parsons

Losing Trevon Diggs (torn ACL) for the season is a blow to the Cowboys, but it shouldn't push them off their track toward the Super Bowl. That's mainly because Dallas has All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons on its defense to keep its championship hopes alive.

September 21, 2023 | Carolina Panthers

Sitting injured Bryce Young in Week 3 is wisest move for Panthers

Part of what made Young a tantalizing prospect coming out of college was his ability to avoid pressure and make plays off-script. If he's hobbled by his ankle, that will neutralize his best attributes.

September 21, 2023 | College Football

Five Week 4 CFB games to watch: Top-10 showdown in South Bend; will Lane Kiffin ever beat Alabama?

Week 4 includes compelling matchups, including six featuring ranked-vs.-ranked opponents. Here are the best games to tune in to.

September 20, 2023 | NFL

NFC South Week 3 predictions: Division's hot streak comes to an end

A season after no team in the NFC South finished with a winning record, it is one of two divisions to have three 2-0 teams entering Week 3. This weekend, however, might be a return to normalcy.

September 20, 2023 | NFL

'TNF' preview: Danger warnings flashing in red and gold for Giants

In a game that could get out of hand, the New York Giants will play at San Francisco on "Thursday Night Football."

September 19, 2023 | NFL

Jets star addresses team's 'unacceptable' record against Patriots

It's been a while since Jets-Patriots was a rivalry, but that's something wide receiver Garrett Wilson is adamant about changing.

September 19, 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers

HC Mike Tomlin embraces Steelers fans amid 'fire Canada' chant

Based on Tomlin's comments, a change at offensive coordinator isn't on the horizon, but they also demonstrate he isn't ignoring the issues, either.

September 19, 2023 | NFL

0-2 panic meter: Why it's time for Bengals, Broncos to worry

Here's a look at how much concern each 0-2 team should have, beginning with the team lowest on the panic meter and ending with the teams that are sounding the alarm.

September 19, 2023 | Cleveland Browns

Another bad Deshaun Watson performance a depressing look into Browns' future

When Cleveland needed quarterback Deshaun Watson the most on Monday night, he shrunk, His miserable game at Pittsburgh is a horrible sign for the team's future.

September 18, 2023 | Cleveland Browns

Sports world reacts to Nick Chubb's gruesome injury

Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome leg injury early in the second quarter of Cleveland's Monday night game at Pittsburgh.

September 18, 2023 | NFL

Watch: Browns and Steelers combine for wacky play in error-filled first quarter

An absolute mess of a first quarter in Pittsburgh got the ending it deserved with one of the wildest plays we're likely to see this season. Cleveland and Pittsburgh combined for four turnovers, with Steelers wide receiver Gunner Olszewski's fumble late in the quarter capping the sloppy start.