— The Jim Thorpe Classic — The Buffs were anxious to play a 12th game in 2001- anything to get the season started, and put behind them the 3-8 nightmare which was the 2000 campaign. The inaugural Jim Thorpe Classic provided such an opportunity. The game was designated to honor the legendary Thorpe, who had starred in college at Carlisle Indian School in 1912 and 1913 before going on to help bring recognition to the fledgling National Football League.  The Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back since …