It’s that time of year again.

Time for Nebraska fans to indulge in drinking the red Kool-Aid and reminiscing over past 9-win seasons.

You have to hand it the Huskers faithful. The program’s fallen on hard times of late. Yet, fans keep picking themselves off the mat and coming back for more. As long as their expectations aren’t too high, they’ll be rewarded, according to Saturday Tradition’s Crystal Ball.

Scott Frost’s tenure tested fans’ faithfulness to the core.

Frost finished 16-31 in just over 4 seasons — never reaching a bowl game. He was given more rope than most. His 5th year started with an assistant staff overhaul and losses to Northwestern and Georgia Southern before AD Trev Alberts pulled the plug.

Matt Rhule takes over in 2023. Rhule is the 6th HC since Tom Osborne retired in 1997 following a national title.

That 90s’ success? It’s long gone. Success now would look much different. Expectations have changed, but the enthusiasm of fans entering a new season hasn’t.

How will Rhule’s initial season in Lincoln go? It’s anyone’s guess. But behold Husker Nation, we’ve got reasons for hope and optimism.

Let’s dive in and take a look at 5 reasons why fans should be optimistic about the 2023 Cornhuskers.

1. Rhule’s proven track record

Nebraska hit the jackpot hiring Rhule. The turnarounds he performed at both Temple and Baylor speak for themselves. Four bowl games, including a Sugar Bowl berth, at those schools in 7 years is impressive.

He knows how to build a strong foundation, starting with accountability and the recruiting of speed. Nebraska has lacked those recently.

Players will be held to a certain standard under Rhule. Tardiness won’t be tolerated. Getting players to rise “above the line,” as Rhule likes to say, will be a daily objective.

It sounds cliche, but coaching matters. Leadership matters. Nebraska was missing it. It now has it under Rhule.

It may not translate into wins immediately — a lot of work remains. But fans can rest assured that accountability — from both players and staff — will be demanded.

2. Jeff Sims’ potential

Sims passes the eye test as a Power 5 QB. At 6-4, 220, he’s an imposing figure. Sims can both sling it and run it.

There’s plenty of talk that he’s just scratched the surface of his potential. Nebraska fans are hoping he breaks out in 2023.

The past hasn’t been kind to Huskers transfer QB starters. Sam Keller (Arizona State) in 2007, Tanner Lee (Tulane) in 2017 and Casey Thompson (Texas) last year come to mind. While Thompson’s numbers were respectable, both Keller and Lee didn’t even finish their seasons as starters. Can Sims break the recent trend?

There have been flashes of brilliance. A 359-yard outing against Pitt in 2021 is a career high. Sims also tossed 4 TDs and threw for 240 yards against No. 20 North Carolina that year. Turnovers have been a bugaboo. Correct those, and Sims moves into the top tier of B1G signal callers.

Finally, we revert to coaching. Sometimes a new voice is needed, and Huskers’ OC Marcus Satterfield has developed a good relationship with Sims. Can Satterfield coax the best out of him? If he can, Sims and Nebraska could surprise a lot of folks this season.

3. Healthy, deep LB unit

Tony White takes over running the defense. He brings a 3-3-5 look that he used while at Syracuse. Linebackers can feast in this system. Nebraska has the dudes there to make it happen.

Luke Reimer returns after finishing 2nd on the team in tackles in 2022 with 86 despite missing a pair of games due to injury.

Nick Henrich, who injured a knee against Purdue, also returns. He tallied 99 tackles in 2021 and is a leader in the locker room. Having him at full strength is a boost.

Georgia transfer MJ Sherman looks to make waves. He’s athletic and has shined in preseason camp. Chief Borders is also in the mix; the Florida transfer brings speed and athleticism.

This is a deep unit that should lead the defense. White wants them to play fast and fearless.

4. Easier non-conference schedule

Reaching a bowl in Year 1 would be a success for Rhule. Scanning the schedule, 6 wins seems doable.

Three of those should come during non-B1G play. There’s no Oklahoma to deal with like the past 2 years. Colorado, Northern Illinois and Louisiana Tech are all winnable games.

Our B1G columnist Alex Hickey thinks the Huskers get to 6-6. That’s good enough for a bid, and would count as definite progress in Lincoln.

5. Improved OL

Let’s be clear. This unit still has a long way to go.

But improvement is key, and this group should be better. Nouredin Nouili returns from a season suspension and will anchor the RG position.

Arizona State transfer Ben Scott slides in at center. Bryce Benhart, Teddy Prochazka and Ethan Piper all have past starts and provide experience.

Keeping Sims upright and opening seams for Gabe Ervin and Anthony Grant to run through will be considered success.

It’s those baby steps in the right direction that would provide hope and optimism. And after 6 straight losing seasons, that’s truly all Nebraska fans can ask for.