The Lions are even more awful than usual, prompting national sports media to argue that Detroit should have its annual Thanksgiving Day game taken away. And then we in Michigan defend the game, even though the Lions are admittedly bad and my aunt always serves dinner in the middle of the game. (I’m not complaining: it’s wonderful and delicious.)

But this year, on Thanksgiving night, hours after the 0-11 Lions conclude what I’m sure will be a stunning win over 10-1 Tennessee, the Michigan State basketball team takes on Maryland in the opening round of the Old Spice Classic. (If State wins, the results should count toward the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. MSU’s actual Challenge game is the following week against top-ranked North Carolina at Ford Field.)

So I have an idea. While I hope and expect that the Lions will retain their annual Turkey Day game, I motion that we move ‘em to the undercard. For the main event, let’s have at least one successful Michigan team play each year on Thanksgiving night, and let’s call that game the Official Thanksgiving Day Game of the Sports Mitten.

There. Consider it ratified.

(Also, just to be fair and inclusive, should the Lions ever be good enough to warrant consideration of their game as the primary Thanksgiving Day event, they are eligible. But it’ll still be a year-to-year deal.)

I’ll check back Friday with results on MSU-Maryland and the football game as well. At least the part I get to see before the turkey is served. Meanwhile, happy Thanksgiving.