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

What preseason odds of previous NBA champions tells us about this year's contenders

As the NBA kicks off Tuesday evening, 30 teams have renewed hope for the 2023-24 campaign. However, data shows that based on the preseason odds of former NBA champions, only a select few have a shot at winning the NBA title in June.

Rangers blast Astros to clinch first World Series berth since 2011

The Rangers are back in the Fall Classic. Texas turned its Game 7 in Houston into an extended victory lap after it jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and kept the runs coming, eventually winning 11-4.

Watch: 49ers linebacker flies over Vikings offensive line to stop 'tush push'

It's a bird... It's a plane... It's Fred Warner. The 49ers linebacker made an unreal defensive play on Monday night when he expertly timed the snap on the Vikings' attempt at the "tush push" on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line, flying over Minnesota's offensive line and tackling quarterback Kirk Cousins before he could reach the end zone.

Watch: Christian McCaffrey sets NFL record for consecutive games with a touchdown

All Christian McCaffrey does is score touchdowns. The All-Pro running back set an NFL record for consecutive games with a touchdown during the Super Bowl era (16) on a three-yard run against the Vikings on "Monday Night Football." 

Watch: 49ers rookie kicker misses another field goal

For as good as the San Francisco 49ers are, imagine how good they'd be if they didn't waste draft picks. Rookie kicker Jake Moody missed his third field goal in his last four tries on a 40-yard attempt in the first quarter of San Francisco's game at Minnesota.

D-backs force first Game 7 in Phillies franchise history with Game 6 win

The Phillies will play the first Game 7 in the franchise's 141-season history on Tuesday after the Diamondbacks won Game 6 of the NLCS, 5-1. 

Going Byard: Eagles hit it out of the park with addition of two-time All-Pro safety

Stop us if you've heard this one before: the Eagles won a trade.

NFL makes the right call with Kareem Jackson's four-game suspension

The NFL got something right. Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended on Monday for four games after he was ejected in Week 7 following a brutal hit on Packers tight end Luke Musgrave.

Arthur Smith explains lack of touches for Bijan Robinson in Week 7

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was missing in action during the first half of Atlanta's pivotal game against Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South, leading to multiple questions about what was going on with the No.

Active Deshaun Watson has most to prove in Week 7

Deshaun Watson (right shoulder), is active for the Browns, making him the player with the most to prove in Week 7.

Report suggests Bill Belichick isn't on the hot seat in New England

Bill Belichick has received plenty of heat for New England's 1-5 start, but it now seems unlikely that it will cost him his job at the end of the season.

Winners and losers from Week 8 of the college football season

In Week 8, Marvin Harrison Jr. reminded everyone why he's the best wide receiver in college football while Virginia reminded everyone of how little we actually know. Here are the winners and losers from this weekend in college football.

Tua Tagovailoa discusses highly anticipated showdown vs. former Bama teammate Jalen Hurts

Sunday night will be a reunion for quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa after the pair were teammates at Alabama.

Ugly Arkansas loss brings serious questions about program's future

Arkansas wasn't supposed to be this bad. The Razorbacks (2-6, 0-5 in SEC) lost 7-3 to Mississippi State on Saturday despite the Bulldogs being without starting quarterback Will Rogers.

Watch: Penn State defensive TD vs. Ohio State called back due to penalty

A costly defensive penalty wiped out a game-changing play for Penn State in its showdown against Big Ten rival Ohio State. Nittany Lions linebacker Curtis

Watch: No. 22 Air Force scores 94-yard touchdown against Navy

 Air Force has taken flight. Early in the second quarter against Navy, Associated Press No. 22 Air Force (6-0) scored a 94-yard touchdown when quarterback Zac Larrier connected with wide receiver Dane Kinamon.

LSU paints end zone camouflage in honor of Army coming to town

LSU will show Army some southern hospitality when the two teams play Saturday night.

Ohio State could receive unexpected boost against Penn State

If he can play, he would spark a Buckeyes offense that faces their toughest test of the season against Penn State.

Watch: Jose Abreu's fourth home run of the postseason extends Astros lead in Game 4 of ALCS

The Houston Astros are rolling in Arlington, with Jose Abreu connecting for a three-run homer as his club tries to tie up the ALCS at two games apiece.

Could NCAA investigation steer Jim Harbaugh back to NFL?

Jim Harbaugh's rocky relationship with the NCAA hit another bump on Thursday when it was revealed Michigan is under investigation for alleged scouting violations.

Five CFB games to watch: Will Penn State remain a 'paper tiger'?

A massive Big Ten showdown between Penn State and Ohio State headlines Week 8, but other games have sizzle, too. Here's a look at Saturday's most compelling matchups.

How Tennessee could follow last year's upset over Bama by using different approach

For the second year in a row, Tennessee is being counted out before its game against Alabama. 

Watch: Leody Taveras robs Yordan Alvarez of HR with defensive play of the postseason

If the Rangers complete their comeback in Game 3 of the ALCS, they'll have centerfielder Leody Taveras to thank.