Behind the spectacular is something more mundane.
UTEP receiver Jason Cowing did the spectacular repeatedly in UTEP's opening win in the New Mexico State opener, which is why he goes into Saturday's game against Bethune-Cookman as the national receiving leader.
He got there with two highlight reel plays, including a remarkable one-handed, behind-his-head leaping-tip catch that rekindled memories of Odell Beckham's catch for the New York Giants against Dallas Cowboys in 2015.
What set that up was something considerably less exciting, but so very important.
"The whole passing game, me, Gavin, all our other receivers as well, we took the time out of our day to meet extra outside of class, come back in the film room, study the New Mexico State defense," Cowing said.