The 2024 football season is already proving to be as thrilling and hard-hitting as ever, with Week 5 of college football and Week 4 of the NFL delivering some of the most intense plays yet. Both the NFL and college football featured standout moments driven by powerful defenses, dynamic offensive players, and bone-jarring hits that shifted the momentum of games. Here’s a breakdown of the top moments that defined these weeks in both sports.

College Football Week 5 Highlights

Week 5 of college football was packed with excitement and physical plays that electrified the fans. Here are the key takeaways from some of the most notable games.

Oklahoma vs. Iowa State

Oklahoma's defense set the tone for their decisive victory over Iowa State, delivering some of the hardest hits of the weekend. The Sooners, who have been impressive all season, managed to overwhelm the Iowa State offense with their aggressive play. One of the most impactful moments came when Oklahoma’s defensive line delivered a crushing sack on Iowa State’s quarterback. This hit not only rattled the QB but disrupted Iowa State’s offensive rhythm for the remainder of the game, allowing Oklahoma to dominate.

Texas vs. Kansas

In their battle against Kansas, Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford led the Longhorns' defense in delivering a punishing tackle on Kansas running back Devin Neal. This key hit shifted momentum, as Kansas struggled to maintain consistency on offense after this blow. Ford’s tackle was emblematic of Texas’ physicality throughout the game, helping the Longhorns secure a 40-14 win and further stake their claim as a serious contender for the Big 12 title.

Notre Dame vs. Duke

Notre Dame’s narrow 21-20 victory over Duke came down to defensive heroics in the fourth quarter. The Fighting Irish defense came up big when linebacker Jack Kiser delivered a powerful hit on Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, forcing a fumble. The play not only stopped Duke’s momentum but also allowed Notre Dame to edge out the win in one of the closest games of the week.

USC vs. Colorado

USC’s defense, which has faced criticism for inconsistency, stepped up with some massive hits during their game against Colorado. Linebacker Mason Cobb delivered a crushing blow to Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., setting an early tone of physical dominance. Despite a late-game rally by Colorado, USC held on for a 48-41 victory, but the defensive hits helped keep Colorado at bay for most of the game.

Georgia vs. Auburn

In the SEC showdown between Georgia and Auburn, the Bulldogs' defense, led by their imposing front line, delivered multiple punishing hits on Auburn’s running back Jarquez Hunter. The hard-nosed defensive effort was a key factor in Georgia’s 27-20 victory, helping the Bulldogs maintain their unbeaten record. This game was yet another example of Georgia’s defensive prowess as they aim for another national championship.

NFL Week 4 Highlights

In the NFL, Week 4 saw some of the most impactful plays of the season so far, with a mix of defensive brilliance and offensive explosiveness. The following are some of the top moments from the week.

Derrick Henry’s 87-Yard Touchdown Run

One of the most exciting plays of Week 4 came courtesy of Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans’ powerhouse running back. Henry delivered an incredible 87-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills, showcasing his unique combination of speed and physicality. Henry's hit on Bills defenders as he powered down the field was one of the highlights of the week, as the Titans went on to win 27-3. This play marked the longest scrimmage run of the NFL season so far, underscoring Henry’s reputation as one of the league’s most feared players.

Kyle Van Noy’s Strip-Sack on Josh Allen

The Baltimore Ravens' defense shined in their 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills, and linebacker Kyle Van Noy's strip-sack on Bills quarterback Josh Allen was a pivotal moment. Van Noy’s powerful hit on Allen forced a fumble that the Ravens recovered, swinging the momentum heavily in Baltimore's favor?. This play capped off a dominant defensive performance by the Ravens and exemplified the kind of hard-hitting defense that the team has become known for.

Harrison Smith’s Game-Changing Strip-Sack

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith played a crucial role in his team's 21-13 win over the Carolina Panthers. Smith’s perfectly timed strip-sack on rookie quarterback Bryce Young resulted in a scoop-and-score for linebacker D.J. Wonnum, one of the defining plays of the game. This defensive touchdown gave the Vikings the edge they needed in a game where they struggled to find offensive consistency.

Stefon Diggs’ Third Touchdown of the Game

In a high-scoring affair between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, wide receiver Stefon Diggs showed off his elite playmaking ability, breaking multiple tackles on his way to a third touchdown. Diggs’ physicality in this play, spinning out of tackles and diving into the end zone, helped the Bills secure a 48-20 win?. His performance solidified his place among the league’s top wide receivers in 2024.

49ers Sack Attack vs. Patriots

The San Francisco 49ers’ defense was relentless in their 30-13 win over the New England Patriots. The 49ers racked up several sacks on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, including one particularly brutal hit by star defensive lineman Nick Bosa. The 49ers’ defense was the driving force behind the victory, suffocating the Patriots’ offense at every turn?.

Conclusion

Both college football Week 5 and NFL Week 4 featured some of the most thrilling and physical moments of the 2024 season so far. Whether it was Derrick Henry thundering through defenses or Oklahoma’s defense overwhelming Iowa State, the week was defined by hard hits and game-changing plays. As the season progresses, the physicality and competitiveness in both leagues continue to ramp up, promising even more excitement ahead.

With standout defensive performances and explosive offensive plays shaping each game, football fans were treated to a memorable weekend. The intensity of both college and NFL football underscores why these leagues remain so captivating, with every hit, tackle, and run capable of shifting the momentum in an instant. As teams continue to battle for supremacy, fans can look forward to many more hard-hitting moments that will define the 2024 season.