In 1992, BYU's third string QB was 7-1 as a starter, including a dominating win over a ranked Penn State team. The only loss was at Notre Dame who was top 5 (2 or 3, IIRC) that year.

Gary Sheide was third string at the start of the 1973 season, and Gifford Nielsen was 3rd string in 1975.

And we all remember how Steve Young started at 8th on the depth chart.

A more recent example, 3rd stringer Brandon Doman, who when finally given a chance, saved the season with 2 wins in 2000, and ran off another 12 wins to start 2001.

Maybe we aren't so entitled, but used to having crazy depth at that position, and bum hurt that isn't the way it is anymore.