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

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.

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.

'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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Michigan State rips HC Mel Tucker in termination letter

Michigan State and Mel Tucker are headed toward an ugly divorce.

Clock is ticking on the Sean Payton-Russell Wilson marriage

If Denver's first ride with Wilson resembled a broken-down station wagon, this year it's a roller coaster. Payton may prefer to hop off this ride before too long.

Winners and losers from Week 3 of the college football season

In Week 3, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Washington's Michael Penix Jr. put on shows while Alabama quarterbacks Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson were duds. Here are the most notable happenings of college football from Saturday.

Watch: Missouri upsets No. 15 Kansas State on 61-yard FG as time expires

Missouri scored the big upset in Saturday's early window with a walk-off 61-yard Harrison Mevis field goal over No. 15 Kansas State.

Florida State QB Jordan Travis avoids serious injury after first-half scare against Boston College

Florida State QB Jordan Travis went down injured just before the half against Boston College, but was able to come back out to open the second half as the Seminoles held on. Travis and company will face Clemson next weekend.

Shohei Ohtani's career with Angels could be over

Shohei Ohtani's 2023 season is over and, so too, might be his time with the Angels.

Watch: Fourth-down TD continues unreal start for LSU's Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers

LSU's dynamic duo of quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers capped a dominant start to SEC play with a huge touchdown on a fourth-and-7.

Watch: Lee Corso receives moving ESPN tribute ahead of 400th headgear pick

ESPN celebrated college football legend Lee Corso on Saturday with a moving tribute to his iconic "College Gameday" headgear picks ahead of his 400th selection.

Aaron Rodgers breaks silence after undergoing surgery

The first hurdle is past Rodgers as he gets ready for the start of the 2024 season.

Desmond Ridder's comments highlight poor Falcons draft strategy

The Atlanta Falcons passing game is built out of red flags and an apparent lack of trust in QB Desmond Ridder.

Five CFB games to watch in Week 3: A classic SEC East rivalry, 'Prime Time' in prime time

No ranked-vs.-ranked games in Week 3? No problem. Here are five games worth checking out this weekend.

Colorado State coach Jay Norvell blasted for cringe-worthy smack talk directed at Deion Sanders

Norvell criticized Sanders for wearing sunglasses and a hat during an ESPN interview, saying, "When I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat and glasses off, that's what my mother taught me."

Joe Burrow changes look after ugly Week 1 performance

The Bengals offense needs to look a lot different than it did against Cleveland, and in that case, Burrow's off to a good start.

Revised practice squad rule in 2024 next step in NFL's methodical global expansion

Broadening the pool of who is considered an international player should help drive engagement overseas as the sport attempts to take over the world.

NFLPA executive director demands league take action on playing surfaces

The debate about the use of artificial fields — a concern raised by players in the past — was renewed after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles 75 seconds into the 2023 season on MetLife Stadium's synthetic field.

'TNF' preview: Why Eagles WRs could put up huge numbers vs. Vikings

The Vikings aim to avoid an 0-2 start while the Eagles hope to play a full 60 minutes when the teams meet on "Thursday Night Football" in Philadelphia. Here's what to watch.