Nebraska's Joe Dailey says he spent his first season as a starting quarterback "learning how to learn" in a new and complex offensive system.

Statistics show it's been a difficult process.

Through 10 games, Dailey, a sophomore from New Jersey, has completed 124 of 255 passes (48.6 percent) for 1,719 yards and 15 touchdowns, with 15 interceptions.

In the last four games, Dailey has completed only 39.7 percent of his passes (33 of 83).

Throughout the season, Dailey has retained a positive outlook, impressing pundits with his poise. He shows up for postgame interviews and gives frank and thoughtful answers. He accepts responsibility and never complains, at least not publicly.

"You really don't appreciate it until you go through it, and I'm thankful for it," Dailey said of his first season as a starter.

Dailey on Friday will lead Nebraska into a crucial game against Big 12 rival Colorado. At 5-5, the Huskers need a victory to continue their NCAA-record streak of 35 straight bowl appearances.

In a sense, history's on the line for Nebraska.

If Dailey's nervous, he doesn't show it. Never does.

"I really didn't go into this season with any expectations," he said. "Really, I went into this with a clear mind, understanding that there were going to be some struggles."

Dailey, after all, was asked to lead a West Coast offense that can be confounding for even NFL veterans. First-year Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan's system challenges quarterbacks both physically and mentally.

"You have to learn the offensive line play, its terminology, and you have to be on the same page as your receivers and backs," Dailey said. "If you're not on the same page, guys are running the wrong routes, they're not making coverage adjustments, and things go downhill.

"It's a pretty thing to watch once it gets going. It's kind of ugly sometimes when you aren't on top of your game — bad things happen relatively quickly. Once you fine-tune things that need to be fine-tuned, things get going and it's enjoyable to watch."

Nebraska's offense clicked in an Oct. 16 home win against Baylor. It was arguably Dailey's finest performance, as he threw for 342 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-27 triumph.

The Huskers, though, have since lost three of four games.

Entering Friday's contest against 6-4 Colorado, Nebraska ranks 92nd nationally in passing offense, averaging 175 yards, and 70th in total offense.

Callahan, however, has been unwavering in his support of Dailey. The coach praises Dailey's progress in learning the system.

"His overall knowledge has expanded," Callahan said. "His exposure to football and the passing game, I think, has allowed him to grow. I think it'll benefit him in the offseason and the season ahead."

Looking back on the 2004 season, Dailey said, he wouldn't have done anything differently in preparing himself.

"I prepared pretty well in the offseason," he said. "Now I know exactly what to look for next season and in years to come."

Dailey understands he'll have to continue to compete in order to retain his starting role. Jordan Adams again will enter the fray in the spring after missing this season following the removal of his spleen. And this coming summer, touted recruit Harrison Beck will arrive with much fanfare.

The way Dailey sees it, he'll be "re-interviewed" for his starting position, as he continues to learn Callahan's system.

How close is Dailey to mastering it?

"I'm quite a few months away, I'd say, from being on top of it," he said.

Given all he's been through in 2004, it's easy to forget Dailey's only a sophomore.

"That's no longer an excuse, to be honest with you," Dailey said.

Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.