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

CFP rankings set Texas, Alabama up for national title rematch

Ever since losing to Texas at home earlier this season, 34-24, Alabama has declared that if the teams played again, Round 2 would be different. With the College Football Playoff semifinals revealed, the Tide are well-positioned to get the rematch they crave.

College Football Playoff committee didn't pick the four best teams

The College Football Playoff committee blew it. It didn't pick the best four teams in the country; if it did, Georgia would be playing in the semifinals.

Winners and losers from Week 14 of the college football season

Championship Saturday delivered. From a dominant win by Texas to a stunner in Atlanta, here are the winners and losers of Week 14.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers sets Big 12 title game record in dominant win

Thanks to a historic performance by quarterback Quinn Ewers, Texas is headed to the SEC as Big 12 champions.

SEC commissioner shuts down thought of conference being left out of CFP

If the SEC misses the playoff, its teams will only have themselves to blame.

Watch: Texas pulls out trick play to take huge lead in Big 12 title game

Texas is pulling out all the stops to ensure it gets the last laugh.

College football rooting guide for Week 14

Here's a guide for who teams in the hunt for the playoff should root for in Week 14.

Did LSU QB Jayden Daniels clinch the Heisman on Friday night?

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels may have locked up the Heisman Trophy on Friday night. 

Five CFB games to watch: Dark-horse Heisman finalists square off in SEC title game

Championship Weekend features a top-five Pac-12 showdown, Nick Saban as an underdog and Florida State walking a tightrope. Here's what to watch for in Week 14. (All games Saturday unless noted.)

Offensive coordinator hire should give Penn State reason for optimism in 2024

It's about to get harder to win in the Big Ten, but adding Kotelnicki should give Penn State hope it can swim with the big fish.

NFL's flex schedule decision illustrates just how pathetic the Patriots are

The NFL did fans a huge favor on Thursday by taking the Patriots off of "Monday Night Football" in Week 15, underlining how miserable this season has been for New England.

Report: New Orleans Pelicans on the verge of getting help with sharpshooter's return

Believe it or not, the Pelicans may finally be at full strength. 

Notre Dame a potential landing spot for top transfer portal quarterback

Leonard entered the transfer portal on Wednesday, and he instantly became the best quarterback available.

'TNF' preview: Cowboys aim to keep win streak alive with fourth consecutive blowout

Dallas (8-3) enters Week 13 a nine-point home favorite over Seattle (6-5), having won its past three games by 90 points combined. Here's what to watch for in a potential "Thursday Night Football" blowout.

10 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Alabama-Georgia SEC title game

Here is a closer look at the 10 best draft-eligible players in the title game.

NFC South Week 13 predictions: Falcons extend division lead over Saints

The Falcons put distance between themselves and the Saints while Panthers fans inch closer to petitioning owner David Tepper to sell the team. These are our predictions for Week 13 in the NFC South.

Alabama lurks, but likely needs help to reach CFP

Alabama has an outside chance of making the CFP semifinals, but it must do something no team's done to finish in the top four. 

Five destinations for Bears QB Justin Fields in 2024

The Bears look like they'll have two of the top picks in 2024 NFL Draft, which could lead them to move on from 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields.

'MNF' takeaways: Chicago reaching crossroads with Justin Fields

We watched the Bears' 12-10 win over the Vikings on "Monday Night Football" so you didn't have to. Here are the takeaways from a Monday night snoozefest.

Leaked 2024 SEC schedule includes September Alabama-Georgia rematch

Alabama and Georgia won't have to wait long next season for only their third regular-season meeting since 2009.

Why the Falcons are about to run away with the NFC South

The Atlanta Falcons have a cushy down-the-stretch schedule which could help them win the NFC South, if they can just keep from tripping over themselves.

James Madison, Jacksonville State become bowl eligible despite NCAA ruling

The NCAA tried to stop them, but James Madison and Jacksonville State are going bowling regardless.

Winners and losers from Week 13 of the college football season

The CFB regular season wrapped on Saturday and included some huge performances (and a few stinkers) along the way. Winners and losers for Week 13.

Another Jayden Daniels masterpiece should end Heisman debate

The Heisman winner won't be announced until Dec. 9, but that should only be a formality. That's because Jayden Daniels won the award after another dominating performance.

Watch: RB Donovan Edwards completes huge pass to help Michigan beat Ohio State

Michigan running back Donovan Edwards broke Ohio State's spirit last year with his legs. This year, he used his arm.