The 2024 football season continues to deliver unforgettable moments filled with explosive plays, bone-rattling hits, and game-changing performances. As Week 5 of college football and Week 4 of the NFL wrapped up, fans were treated to a showcase of dynamic defense and resilient offense. These games featured some of the hardest hits and most exciting plays of the season so far. This article highlights the biggest hits and moments from both college and professional football during these weeks.

College Football Week 5: A Showcase of Defensive Mastery

Week 5 of the 2024 college football season brought several standout games, with defenses shining across the board. While the offensive firepower was on display, it was the hard hits and dominant defensive performances that defined the weekend.

Oklahoma’s Physical Defense Against Iowa State

Oklahoma has been a dominant force in the Big 12 this season, and their Week 5 performance against Iowa State was no different. The Sooners’ defense, known for its aggressive style, set the tone early with relentless pressure. One of the defining moments of the game came in the second quarter, when the Sooners’ defensive line delivered a crushing sack on Iowa State’s quarterback. This hit not only jarred the ball loose, resulting in a turnover, but it also visibly shook the Cyclones' offensive unit, allowing Oklahoma to control the game.

The Sooners' defense would go on to allow only minimal offensive production from Iowa State, suffocating the opposing team with constant pressure and physical tackles. Their 50-20 victory was a statement, solidifying Oklahoma’s status as a top contender for the College Football Playoff.

Texas vs. Kansas: Jaylan Ford’s Big Hit

Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford was a key figure in the Longhorns’ defense, delivering one of the most impactful hits of Week 5 in their game against Kansas. Late in the first half, Kansas running back Devin Neal took a handoff and was immediately met with a brutal tackle from Ford. The collision was so powerful that it caused a fumble, which Texas recovered. This play shifted the momentum in Texas’ favor, allowing them to build on their lead and cruise to a 40-14 win.

Ford’s hit was just one of many examples of Texas’ physical dominance in the game. The Longhorns have established themselves as a team capable of contending for the Big 12 title, and their defense is a big reason for that.

Notre Dame’s Defensive Stand Against Duke

In one of the closest games of Week 5, Notre Dame managed to squeak out a 21-20 victory over Duke. The Irish defense played a crucial role in securing the win, particularly in the final minutes of the game. With Duke driving down the field in an attempt to take the lead, Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser delivered a punishing hit on Duke quarterback Riley Leonard. The hit forced Leonard to fumble the ball, which Notre Dame recovered, ending Duke’s hopes of a comeback.

This defensive stand showcased Notre Dame’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Kiser’s hit was not only a game-saving moment but also a testament to Notre Dame’s physicality on defense.

USC’s Hard Hits Against Colorado

USC, known more for their high-powered offense than their defense, made headlines in Week 5 with several big defensive plays in their 48-41 win over Colorado. One of the most significant hits came from linebacker Mason Cobb, who leveled Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. in the first quarter. Cobb’s hit set the tone for the game, though Colorado would go on to make a late comeback attempt. Despite their struggles, USC’s defense played a crucial role in slowing down Colorado’s explosive offense enough to secure the win.

While USC’s defense has been criticized for its inconsistency, moments like Cobb’s hit show that they are capable of delivering when it matters.

Georgia’s Defensive Line Dominates Auburn

In the SEC, Georgia’s defensive line continued to showcase why they are considered one of the best in the country during their 27-20 win over Auburn. The Bulldogs’ defense delivered multiple hard hits on Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter, constantly pressuring the Tigers’ offense. One of the most significant hits came in the third quarter, when Georgia’s front seven broke through the Auburn offensive line and tackled Hunter for a loss on a crucial third-down play.

Georgia’s ability to deliver these hard-hitting plays consistently is a big reason why they remain undefeated and in contention for another national championship. Their physical style of play has been a hallmark of their success, and Week 5 was no exception.

NFL Week 4: Game-Changing Hits and Explosive Plays

The NFL’s Week 4 slate was filled with standout performances, but it was the hard-hitting moments that truly defined the weekend. From big defensive stops to electrifying offensive plays, here are the top moments from NFL Week 4.

Derrick Henry’s 87-Yard Touchdown Run

Derrick Henry has built a reputation as one of the most physical running backs in the NFL, and his 87-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills was a perfect example of why. In one of the biggest plays of Week 4, Henry burst through the Bills’ defense, breaking multiple tackles on his way to the end zone. The hit that stood out was his collision with a Bills linebacker midway through the run, where Henry’s sheer power allowed him to shrug off the tackle and continue down the field.

This touchdown was the longest scrimmage play of the season so far and solidified Henry’s role as the Titans’ offensive anchor in their 27-3 victory.

Kyle Van Noy’s Strip-Sack of Josh Allen

The Baltimore Ravens’ defense was dominant in their 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills, and one of the biggest plays came courtesy of linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Late in the second quarter, Van Noy delivered a crushing strip-sack on Bills quarterback Josh Allen, knocking the ball loose and giving the Ravens excellent field position.

Van Noy’s hit not only swung momentum in favor of the Ravens but also exemplified Baltimore’s hard-hitting defense. They pressured Allen throughout the game, forcing multiple turnovers and securing a comfortable win?.

Harrison Smith’s Strip-Sack Turns the Tide for the Vikings

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith was a standout in his team’s 21-13 win over the Carolina Panthers, with his strip-sack on rookie quarterback Bryce Young proving to be a pivotal moment. Early in the third quarter, Smith came on a blitz, delivering a textbook sack on Young and forcing a fumble. Linebacker D.J. Wonnum scooped up the ball and ran it back for a touchdown, giving the Vikings a lead they would not relinquish?.

This play was a prime example of the Vikings’ opportunistic defense, which has been key in helping them bounce back after a rocky start to the season.

Stefon Diggs’ Physical Third Touchdown

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs had one of the best performances of the week, scoring three touchdowns in the Bills’ 48-20 win over the Miami Dolphins. His third touchdown of the game was particularly impressive, as Diggs broke multiple tackles en route to the end zone. The play was a testament to Diggs’ physicality and determination, as he refused to go down despite the Dolphins’ best efforts to stop him?.

This touchdown put the game out of reach for Miami and showcased why Diggs is considered one of the best receivers in the NFL.

49ers Sack Attack Against the Patriots

The San Francisco 49ers’ defense continued to prove why they are one of the best units in the league during their 30-13 win over the New England Patriots. The 49ers racked up several sacks on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, with defensive end Nick Bosa delivering one of the hardest hits of the week. Bosa’s sack in the second quarter resulted in a fumble, which the 49ers recovered, helping them maintain control of the game.

San Francisco’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success in 2024, and their physical play against New England only reinforced their dominance.

Conclusion

Both college football Week 5 and NFL Week 4 were filled with memorable hits and game-changing plays that had a significant impact on the outcomes of games. From Derrick Henry’s explosive touchdown run to the hard-hitting defenses of Oklahoma and Georgia, these moments showcased the physicality and intensity that make football so exciting.

As the 2024 season continues, fans can expect even more thrilling moments as teams battle for supremacy in both college and professional football. The hard hits and standout performances of these weeks are just a preview of what’s to come, with every play capable of changing the course of a game.