This. When I see Mariota make some stone cold plays when the game is on the line against a big time opponent, maybe I'll be impressed. Stats are one thing, and they definitely imply a trend, but they are also irrelevant without context. For instance, QBs with a higher college passer rating are going to better QBs for the most part. Passing is one of the primary elements of being a QB, and the college passer rating applies somewhat arbitrary, but reasonable coefficients to completions, yardage, TDs and INTs, and divides them by the number of attempts. This is not indicative of success, but will definitely for the most part trend in the same direction as what most would consider a succesful QB.

Take this example for instance. 1st and 10 at your own 20 after a touchback. A QB holds on to the ball for too long, stares down his receiver, tries to roll out and avoid the pressure, but can't. Takes a sack. 2nd and 17. Next snap. False start. 5 yards penalty. 2nd and 22. The next snap the QB makes a quick read to the slot receiver, but the receiver was double teamed, and doesn't pick up any yards. He should have gone on to his next read and would have made a bigger play. 3rd and 22. The defense goes in to nickel or dime coverage, obvious passing situation. The team is going to run a quick screen to try and gain a few yards for the punt team. The WR picks up 21 yards, 1 yard short of a 1st down. Punt.

((8.4*21) + (330*0) + (100*2) - (200*0))/2 = 188.2

A passer rating of 188.2 would be good enough for 1st in the NCAA.

Take this for example.

1st and 10 from the 20. QB draw for 9 yards. 2nd and 1. The offensive coordinator decides to take a shot deep with such a short distance to pick up the first down, and they are playing tight coverage. Looks off one safety, buys time, still tight coverage so he throws it where the defensive back can't pick it off, the WR gets a hand on it, but can't make the catch. 3rd and 1. The QB hits his slot receiver on a perfect 1 yard quick pass to pick up the first down.

((8.4*1) + (330*0) + (100*1) - (200*0))/2 = 54.2

A passer rating of 54.2 would be good enough for last in the NCAA, by a long shot.