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

Kansas QB Jalon Daniels' announcement sets team up for big 2024

As Kansas prepares for the biggest game against in-state rival Kansas State in years, the program scored a huge win for 2024.

Five CFB games to watch: Washington, LSU QB Jayden Daniels state their case in Week 12

Washington tries to prove it's a top-four team, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels makes another argument for the Heisman and Billy Napier is possibly coaching for his job.

Big 12, WWE championship belt pairing could make title game even more awkward

The worst-case scenario for the conference is close to coming to fruition, and it will be even more embarrassing for Brett Yormark if the inaugural Big 12 championship belt goes to Texas. In that case, it becomes the SEC championship belt, right?

'TNF' preview: Bengals, Ravens set for pivotal AFC North showdown

The best division in football takes center stage on Thursday night when AFC North rivals Bengals and Ravens meet in Baltimore.

NFC South Week 11 predictions: There will be blowouts

Are you ready for some blowouts? Things might get ugly in the NFC South this weekend.

Watch: LSU freshman guard Mikaylah Williams sets program record in win over Kent State

The Tigers are going to be alright. Freshman guard Mikaylah Williams put on a show Tuesday afternoon in LSU's 109-79 win over Kent State.

Bills hope to channel 2012 Ravens with move at offensive coordinator

Not since the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 has a team fired their offensive coordinator and gone on to win the Super Bowl. The fading Buffalo Bills will try to join them this year.

'MNF' takeaways: Loss to Broncos puts serious dent in Bills' playoff hopes

It's panic time in Buffalo. Meanwhile in Denver, the Broncos under Sean Payton are just heating up. Here are the main takeaways from their 24-22 win on "Monday Night Football."

Hockey Hall of Fame weekend ends with induction ceremony

The 2023 NHL Hall of Fame class was formally inducted on Monday night, ending a weekend of festivities honoring hockey royalty.

Watch: Broncos convert wild fourth down for touchdown

Russell Wilson's fourth-down prayer was answered against the Bills.

Watch: Bills' first two drives end in turnovers

Buffalo had a nightmarish start to its game against Denver on Monday night. 

Report: Saints to bolster pass rush by adding two-time Super Bowl-winning defensive end

The Saints have apparently had enough of watching quarterbacks run all over them.

Mel Kiper Jr. provides update on LSU QB Jayden Daniels' rising draft stock

LSU is out of the playoff race, but quarterback Jayden Daniels still has a lot to play for.

Watch: Mac Jones benched after red-zone interception

An ugly interception by Jones thwarted the Patriots' comeback bid against the Colts and led to the quarterback hitting the bench.

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.