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

November 6, 2023 | NFL

'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.

November 6, 2023 | College Basketball (W)

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.

November 6, 2023 | Philadelphia 76ers

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.

November 6, 2023 | New York Jets

'MNF': Troy Aikman rips Jets quarterback Zach Wilson

Troy Aikman stated the obvious on Monday night.

November 6, 2023 | LSU Tigers

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.

November 6, 2023 | MLB

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.

November 5, 2023 | Atlanta Falcons

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.

November 4, 2023 | College Football

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.

November 4, 2023 | Texas Longhorns

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.

November 4, 2023 | College Football

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.

November 4, 2023 | Chicago Bears

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.

November 4, 2023 | College Football

Wrigley Field undergoes stunning transformation to host Iowa-Northwestern

Wrigley Field will host a football game on Saturday, but don't be surprised if the final looks more like a baseball score.

November 2, 2023 | New Orleans Pelicans

Pelicans forward Herb Jones states early case for All-Defensive NBA honors with dominant performance

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones keeps doing his thing without the recognition he deserves. But recognition might finally be in the cards during the 2023-24 NBA season.

November 2, 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers OC Matt Canada will have nowhere to hide on Thursday night

The over-under on objects being thrown on the field during "Thursday Night Football" significantly increased when the Steelers announced that maligned offensive coordinator Matt Canada would call the team's home game against the Titans from the sideline instead of the coaches' booth.

November 2, 2023 | Michigan Wolverines

Big Ten coaches are right to demand league take action against Michigan

It's becoming increasingly clear the conference can't sit back and wait for the NCAA's investigation to finish.

November 2, 2023 | College Football

Five CFB games to watch: LSU-Alabama rematch, Bedlam highlight Week 10

Week 10 showcases a massive SEC West showdown and the final Bedlam game with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as conference rivals. Here's what to watch for in this weekend's college football action.

November 1, 2023 | NFL

NFC South predictions: Frank Reich gets revenge against the Colts

Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich was fired by the Indianapolis Colts almost exactly a year ago. He'll have a chance to get them back with a win on Sunday.

November 1, 2023 | NFL

NFC South stock up, down at season's midpoint: Poor connection slows Saints

Assessing an intriguing, strange NFC South at the midway point of the 2023-24 NFL season.

November 1, 2023 | Atlanta Falcons

Falcons benching QB Desmond Ridder should end his 2023 season

The Atlanta Falcons are a playoff-hopeful with serious quarterback questions, but Desmond Ridder does not seem like the answer.

November 1, 2023 | NFL

'TNF' preview: How low will Titans-Steelers go?

Points could be at a premium when the Titans (3-4) and Steelers (4-3) play on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Per OddsChecker as of Wednesday, the over-under is 36 points, the lowest figure for Week 9 games. Here's what to watch for in what's expected to be a defensive tussle.