Eric Smithling
As seen in:
FanSided,
Yardbarker,
MSN,
MSN Australia,
MSN Canada,
MSN India,
MSN Ireland,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN New Zealand,
MSN Philippines,
MSN Singapore,
MSN UK
and
bsky.app/profile/ericsmithling.bsky.social
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Eric Smithling
NFL Week 7 lowlights: Aaron Glenn's game management, blowout Panthers loss and more
The scariest things this Halloween season aren't ghosts and goblins; they're the five lowlights from Week 7. Below, we break down a blowout Panthers loss, a brutal afternoon for Houston's rush defense, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn's awful clock management and plenty more. Worst loss: Carolina Panthers The Panthers made life far too easy for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) in a blowout 43-13 loss, allowing Tampa to win with only 64 passing yards on 11 attempts.
NFL Week 7 lowlights: Aaron Glenn's game management, blowout Panthers loss and more
The scariest things this Halloween season aren't ghosts and goblins; they're the five lowlights from Week 7. Below, we break down a blowout Panthers loss, a brutal afternoon for Houston's rush defense, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn's awful clock management and plenty more. Worst loss: Carolina Panthers The Panthers made life far too easy for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) in a blowout 43-13 loss, allowing Tampa to win with only 64 passing yards on 11 attempts.
CFB Week 8 winners, losers: Texas keeps playoff hopes alive, Big 12's CFP chances take big hit and more
College football never sleeps. Anyone who thought we'd get a reprieve following a wild Week 7 was sorely mistaken. From a thriller in Austin, a pair of major Big 12 top-10 upsets and a marvelous Malachi Toney performance, we break down the best and worst from Saturday's action in this weekend's edition of winners and losers. Winner: Texas Longhorns Associated Press No. 19 Texas (5-2, 2-2 in SEC) kept its playoff hopes alive with a 34-27 win over No. 7 Ole Miss (5-2, 3-2 in SEC).
Brutal injury report gives Eagles few good options heading into pivotal 'MNF' Cowboys showdown
The absurdly long list isn't even the worst of Philadelphia's injury woes. On Monday, quarterback Jalen Hurts (blood clots) was ruled out for the season. He was initially ruled out of last Saturday's 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers with a superficial blood clot, thrusting third-year quarterback Tanner McKee, who previously started two Week 18 games, into the QB1 role.
LSU, Lane Kiffin just put the SEC on notice with blowout win at Auburn
Consider the SEC warned. On Saturday, the Associated Press No. 18 LSU Tigers (6-2, 3-2 in SEC) notched a dominant 38-17 road win over the Auburn Tigers (4-3, 2-3 in SEC), who just last week scored an upset win over then-No. 1 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 in SEC). The result showed that, entering a tough November slate, LSU is peaking at the right time. It could be a team no one in the conference wants to play in a possible SEC title game.
WNBA Finals takeaways: Valkyries regain home-court advantage in defensive Game 4 battle
The WNBA Finals are going back to the Bay Area even at two games apiece. On Saturday, the Golden State Valkyries snapped a two-game losing skid in a 67-62 win over the Atlanta Dream to head home two wins away from winning title No. 1 in only the franchise's second season. Below, we break down the series-tying win with three takeaways from the low-scoring affair. Valkyries take back home-court advantage What a difference one game makes.
Magic hit will all-too-familiar problem days into 2026-27 NBA season
The 2026-27 NBA season only just begun, but the Orlando Magic are already dealing with an all-too-familiar problem. On Saturday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Magic forward Paolo Banchero will miss the next 4-6 weeks after suffering a right high-ankle sprain in Friday's 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What's a fair contract extension for Sam LaPorta?
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is growing impatient. Earlier this week, the 2023 Pro Bowler shared his frustrations with a lack of movement on a possible contract extension during an appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast. The fourth-year pro is set to enter free agency after this season and shared a willingness to leave the Lions, saying, "If I don't get to wear the Honolulu blue and play for the Lions anymore, then it's going to be all good.
CBS commits to J.J. Watt with Troy Aikman mired in 'MNF' uncertainty
As ESPN's top NFL broadcasting duo deteriorates, CBS just fortified its for seasons to come. On Thursday, CBS announced that J.J. Watt, who took over for former No. 1 color commentator Tony Romo after an offseason OWI arrest, has agreed to a multi-year extension to remain part of the network's top broadcasting team alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
5 Top 25 teams on upset alert in Week 8
What does Week 8 have in store for an encore? After a stunning Week 7 that featured a historic five of the country's top seven teams in the Associated Press poll fall, underdogs will look to keep the upsets coming this Saturday. Below, we take aim at five ranked teams most in danger this weekend.
CBS makes major J.J. Watt announcement amid Troy Aikman's uncertain 'MNF' future
As ESPN's top broadcasting duo deteriorates, CBS just fortified theirs for seasons to come. On Thursday, CBS announced that J.J. Watt, who took over for former No. 1 color commentator Tony Romo after an offseason OWI arrest, has agreed to a multi-year extension to remain part of the network's top broadcasting team alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
Five potential difference-makers in the 2026 World Series
First pitch of a historic World Series is this Friday. Before the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays meet in only the second Fall Classic of the last 100 years between teams seeking a first World Series title, here are five players who can swing the series. Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers For opposing pitchers, when Bauers is at the plate, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Five coaching candidates Maryland should consider after firing Mike Locksley
Let the search begin. On Wednesday, the Maryland Terrapins fired eight-year head coach Mike Locksley after a rough 2-5 start to the 2026 season, creating the first power conference opening of the 2026-27 cycle. Below are five names that should be on Maryland's radar as it starts looking for its next coach.
10 defunct college football teams that should be reborn
Despite the soaring cost of doing business in the college football world, more and more teams want to join the top tier of the sport. In the past five years, no fewer than eight schools (James Madison, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Kennesaw State, Delaware, Missouri State, North Dakota State and Sacramento State) have moved up to the Football Bowl Subdivision. That raises the total membership in the sport's highest classification to a whopping 138 teams. What's a few more?
Five coaching candidates Maryland should consider after firing Mike Locksley
Sports 8 hours ago Big Ten Head Football Coach Fired During Bye Week Men's Journal - Matt Hladik • 8h The first major job to open. The month of October is not yet over, but we already have our first college football head coaching opening: … Icon version of the Flipboard logo U.
NFL insiders point to pair of NFC South defenders as potential trade candidates ahead of deadline
The next three weeks could decide the fate of two of the NFC South's elite defenders. On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano shared some Week 7 intel, and when discussing sleeper trade candidates, Graziano first mentioned Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, while Fowler ended the discussion pondering if the Atlanta Falcons may be inclined to part ways with safety Jessie Bates III.
'MNF' takeaways: Mike Evans' injury looms large as 49ers survive late Commanders rally
The San Francisco 49ers survived a late rally from the Washington Commanders on Monday to remain perfect this season. Below, we share our instant takeaways from the 23-17 win. Key takeaway: 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans' Achilles injury threatens to derail offense During the first half, the 49ers (6-0) appeared headed for a blowout win. The offense was clicking, and the connection between quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Mike Evans was particularly explosive.
WNBA Finals takeaways: Dream's Angel Reese makes history in Game 2 win
We've got ourselves a series. On Monday, the Atlanta Dream evened the WNBA Finals at a game apiece with a 79-65 road win over the Golden State Valkyries. Below, we break it all down with our takeaways from Game 2. Angel Reese propels Dream to victory with historic 30-point double-double After scoring 11 points in the first quarter of Saturday's Game 1 loss, Reese had a quiet finish with only three points over the game's final 30 minutes. "I wasn't aggressive enough," Reese said afterward.
Major Lakers problem under Rob Pelinka can't be ignored after Dalton Knecht release
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka's glaring blind spot can no longer be ignored. On Monday, the Lakers officially trimmed their roster to 15 players ahead of the opening day of the regular season on Tuesday, and 2024 first-round pick (No. 17 overall) Dalton Knecht was the casualty after falling out of the rotation last season. The 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year's dismissal marks another draft miss for the eighth-year Lakers general manager.
Weekly Syllabus: Arch Manning's hot seat, a Big 12 showcase and more
What does college football have in store for an encore? We're still catching our breath after an epic Week 7, but the circus doesn't stop. Below, the latest Weekly Syllabus takes a look at what's in store for the week ahead, including a potential last stand for Texas and another major Big 12 showcase. Plus, college basketball returns soon, and we examine the recently named preseason No. 1 plus a top-10 exhibition game between teams that have made the Elite Eight in each of the past three seasons.
NFL week 6 lowlights: A look at Colts' brutal collapse and more
It was all tricks and no treats for several teams in the NFL on Sunday. Below, we once again take a closer look at the worst from the day's action, including a stunning Rams loss, excruciating Colts' collapse and more. Worst loss: Los Angeles Rams No one could have imagined that the Rams (2-4) would be in last place in the NFC West after six games, yet here we are.
NFL Week 6 lowlights: A look at Colts' brutal collapse and more
It was all tricks and no treats for several teams in the NFL on Sunday. Below, we once again take a closer look at the worst from the day's action, including a stunning Rams loss, excruciating Colts' collapse and more. Worst loss: Los Angeles Rams No one could have imagined that the Rams (2-4) would be in last place in the NFC West after six games, yet here we are.
CFB week 7 winners, losers: SEC eating itself, BYU's major statement and more
Week 7 reminded us why we love college football. From epic top-10 clashes, stunning upsets and wild plays, Saturday was an incredible day for the sport, and we break down the biggest moments below in this week's winners and losers. Winner: SEC cannibalizing itself For those wondering why SEC commissioner Greg Sankey changed his tune on a 24-team playoff, consider Saturday the answer.
Wild ending versus Michigan State keeps dream Northwestern season alive
You could forgive Northwestern for thinking it's living a dream. And not just because of the wild ending to its road win at the Michigan State Spartans On Saturday, the Associated Press No. 25 Northwestern Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 in Big Ten) erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit in a 24-21 win over Michigan State (2-5, 0-4 in Big Ten) and former coach Pat Fitzgerald.
No. 6 Alabama, Kalen DeBoer feel stuck after double-digit road loss at No. 14 Tennessee
Kalen DeBoer's third season as Alabama Crimson Tide head coach is starting to feel like the first two. On Saturday, Associated Press No. 6 Alabama (5-2, 3-2 in SEC) fell on the road at the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (6-1, 3-1 in SEC), 26-10, behind a pathetic offensive performance. It finished with 201 total yards and four turnovers.
Ohio State should worry about Julian Sayin's injury during upcoming bye week
The Ohio State Buckeyes may not be in a celebratory mood after defeating the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers During the fourth quarter of a 19-15 win, quarterback Julian Sayin suffered an upper-body injury to his throwing arm on a clean hit inside the pocket. After going to the locker room, Sayin emerged with his right arm in a sling as backup Luke Fahey, who was 0-of-2 passing, finished the game.
CFB Week 7 winners, losers: SEC eating itself, BYU's major statement and more
Week 7 reminded us why we love college football. From epic top-10 clashes, stunning upsets and wild plays, Saturday was an incredible day for the sport, and we break down the biggest moments below in this week's winners and losers. Winner: SEC cannibalizing itself For those wondering why SEC commissioner Greg Sankey changed his tune on a 24-team playoff, consider Saturday the answer.
No. 6 Alabama, Kalen DeBoer feel stuck after double-digit road loss at No. 14 Tennessee
Kalen DeBoer's third season as Alabama Crimson Tide head coach is starting to feel like the first two. On Saturday, Associated Press No. 6 Alabama (5-2, 3-2 in SEC) fell on the road at the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (6-1, 3-1 in SEC), 26-10, behind a pathetic offensive performance. It finished with 201 total yards and four turnovers.
Ohio State should worry about Julian Sayin's injury during upcoming bye week
The Ohio State Buckeyes may not be in a celebratory mood after defeating the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers. During the fourth quarter of a 19-15 win, quarterback Julian Sayin suffered an upper-body injury to his throwing arm on a clean hit inside the pocket. After going to the locker room, Sayin emerged with his right arm in a sling as backup Luke Fahey, who was 0-of-2 passing, finished the game.
Wild ending versus Michigan State keeps dream Northwestern season alive
You could forgive Northwestern for thinking it's living a dream. And not just because of the wild ending to its road win at the Michigan State Spartans. On Saturday, the Associated Press No. 25 Northwestern Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 in Big Ten) erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit in a 24-21 win over Michigan State (2-5, 0-4 in Big Ten) and former coach Pat Fitzgerald.
How to stop worrying (and maybe even love) CFP's dreaded 24-team expansion
With better odds of reaching the CFP, more may be willing to invest the necessary capital to keep their favorite teams competitive. Additional on-campus CFP games The undisputed best thing about moving to 24 teams is more games on college campuses. The atmospheres at first-round games are unmatched compared to the corporate, sterilized, environments at neutral sites, and instead of four each year, we'll soon get 16. Per The Athletic, schools ranked No. 9-16 will host Nos.
Who could replace Troy Aikman on 'MNF'? Five names to watch during possible 2027 broadcasting musical chairs
Who's ready to call some "Monday Night Football"? On Thursday, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and ESPN "MNF" color commentator Troy Aikman told Dallas radio station KTCK he'll be a free agent this offseason, raising questions about who will call games next to play-by-play announcer Joe Buck in 2027 and beyond. In September 2026, The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported that Buck agreed to a six-year, $108M extension to remain with ESPN through the 2032 season.
Ranking Week 6 underdogs: Which of the five heavy favorites should be on upset alert?
Note: All point spreads via DraftKings as of Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. All games Sunday unless otherwise specified. 5. Los Angeles Chargers (0-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) | 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS Spread: Chiefs (-8.5) As if playing at Arrowhead wasn't difficult enough, Los Angeles also has the misfortune of getting an Andy Reid-coached team coming off a bye.
Five managerial candidates Astros should consider following Joe Espada firing
Change is afoot for the Houston Astros. Already in need of a general manager after Dana Brown was dismissed in August, the Astros are also in the market for a manager following Wednesday's announcement that Joe Espada won't return in 2027. As Houston sets to embark on a pivotal offseason, here are five managerial candidates who should be on owner Jim Crane's radar. 1.
Historic bullpen effort puts Brewers in NLCS driver's seat against Dodgers
The Milwaukee Brewers rode an historic performance from their bullpen to a 7-4 win and a 2-0 NLCS lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. At the rate Brewers relievers are playing this postseason , they may soon have Milwaukee playing for a World Series.
Weekly syllabus: AP top-10 clashes, stacked SEC slate highlight monster CFB week 7
A pair of top-10 Associated Press showdowns highlights an excellent Week 7 in college football. We break down the weekend's biggest upcoming matches in this edition of the Weekly Syllabus while also turning an eye toward the fast-approaching 2026-27 college basketball season. No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes , No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers meet in epic Big Ten clash It's the biggest home game in Indiana football history.
Longtime NFL reporter shares bold Cowboys expectation after hiring Mike Pettine
Mike Pettine addition to Cowboys staff given strong vote of confidence Pettine began his NFL coaching career in 2002 as a coaching assistant for the Baltimore Ravens under Brian Billick, and he remained with the organization through 2008, John Harbaugh's first season leading the Ravens. As head coach of the New York Giants, we can likely rule him out as the one being bullish on Pettine's impact on the Cowboys.
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani decision should already be made
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will wait until Tuesday's practice to determine star designated hitter Shohei Ohtani's status for Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers. But he should have already seen all that he needs to see. As stunning as it is to consider, much less write, if they plan on saving their season, it's time the Dodgers bench the four-time MVP.
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani decision should already be made
16 hours ago 😳 Ben Maller: Shohei Ohtani Is NOT Above Criticism YouTube • 16h Ben Maller says it's time for a reality check when it comes to Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers. 🎙️"Stop treating criticism of Shohei Ohtani like it's a violation of international law. It's not. He is not beyond criticism. This is not anti-Ohtani rhetoric.
'MNF' takeaways: Bills QB Josh Allen earns first career OT win in road thriller over Rams
Per Sumer Sports data, the Bills averaged 4.9 yards on carries between the tackles, successfully preventing Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald from wrecking the game. The line was also solid protecting Allen, who only took one sack and averaged 2.8 seconds to throw when kept clean, according to Pro Football Focus.
Historic bullpen effort puts Brewers in NLCS driver's seat against Dodgers
Aaron Ashby, who had just four saves during the regular season, pitched the final five outs and only needed 21 pitches to send Milwaukee to Los Angeles halfway to a sweep. During the regular season, Milwaukee's relief depth was a major plus as it finished first in the NL in bullpen ERA (3.40) in 640.2 innings, and that's continued to be the case through the first six games of the postseason.
Weekly Syllabus: AP top-10 clashes, stacked SEC slate highlight monster CFB Week 7
A pair of top-10 Associated Press showdowns highlights an excellent Week 7 in college football. We break down the weekend's biggest upcoming matches in this edition of the Weekly Syllabus while also turning an eye toward the fast-approaching 2026-27 college basketball season. No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers meet in epic Big Ten clash It's the biggest home game in Indiana football history.
NFL Week 5 winners, losers: Drake Maye continues surge, NFC East takes more hits
It is time to take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday's NFL Week 5 action. From a Jaguars defensive tackle thrust into an unexpected role to the dim state of the NFC East, we break it all down below.
NFL week 5 lowlights: NFC East hits new low after disastrous results
That plane ride back from London is sure to feel extra long for the Eagles after a stunning Week 5 loss that was undoubtedly the worst on Sunday. Below, we break it down further, including a closer look at the coaching staff's worst moment (it might not be what you think), along with a pair of dreadful Bears individual performances and a stunning ending in Washington. Worst loss: Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles almost had one of the better wins of the season.
NFL Week 5 lowlights: NFC East hits new low after disastrous results
That plane ride back from London is sure to feel extra long for the Eagles after a stunning Week 5 loss that was undoubtedly the worst on Sunday. Below, we break it down further, including a closer look at the coaching staff's worst moment (it might not be what you think), along with a pair of dreadful Bears individual performances and a stunning ending in Washington. Worst loss: Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles almost had one of the better wins of the season.
NFL Week 5 winners, losers: Drake Maye continues surge, NFC East takes more hits
It is time to take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday's NFL Week 5 action. From a Jaguars defensive tackle thrust into an unexpected role to the dim state of the NFC East, we break it all down below. NFL Week 5 winners DaVon Hamilton, DT/emergency long-snapper, Jacksonville Jaguars.
Texas A&M's Mike Elko headed down Jimbo Fisher path after road loss to Missouri
The Texas A&M Aggies may have made the same mistake twice. On Saturday, the 2025 College Football Playoff participant was once again embarrassed in SEC play, losing 27-6 to the Associated Press No. 14 Missouri Tigers (5-1, 2-1 in SEC), its third double-digit conference loss of the season. The ugly result continues a rapid, steep decline for Texas A&M, from 2025 national title contender to out of the playoff conversation before the 2026 season's halfway mark.
First look at 2026 WNBA Finals: What will decide Valkyries-Dream
By the end of the 2026 WNBA Finals, one of two thing will be true: Either the Golden State Valkyries (32-12) will be crowned league champs in only the organization's second season, or the Atlanta Dream (30-14) — the WNBA's last expansion team before Golden State joined as franchise No. 13 — will win its first WNBA title. Ahead of one of the more unlikely WNBA Finals in recent memory, here's our first look at some of the key factors that could decide who comes out on top.
Texas A&M's Mike Elko headed down Jimbo Fisher path after road loss to Missouri
The Texas A&M Aggies may have made the same mistake twice. On Saturday, the 2025 College Football Playoff participant was once again embarrassed in SEC play, losing 27-6 to the Associated Press No. 14 Missouri Tigers (5-1, 2-1 in SEC), its third double-digit conference loss of the season. The ugly result continues a rapid, steep decline for Texas A&M, from 2025 national title contender to out of the playoff conversation before the 2026 season's halfway mark.
Why rumored pending trade is a win for both Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals
Expected Marvin Harrison Jr. trade mercifully gives wide receiver, Arizona Cardinals fresh starts In his third year and on his second head coach, it had become clear the union between Harrison and the Cardinals was never going to work. Whether that's more a reflection of the player or organization is a matter for debate to be settled on the field over seasons to come, but Arizona is wise to cut ties. Delay, and his value on the trade market would only depreciate.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Eric
Contact Eric, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack