Murray State University Athletics
Lane Named to College Sporting News Fabulous Fifty FCS All-America Team
1/5/2009 6:00:00 AM | Football
Murray State defensive end Austen Lane earned his second All-America honor Monday as he was named to the 2008 College Sporting News Fabulous Fifty FCS All-America Team. Last month, Lane was honored as Third-Team All-American by the Associated Press.
Unlike other All-American teams, the CSN honor's squad is designed to be like a real team, capable of taking the field and competing in a game. It includes everything from quarterbacks, who can run or pass and often-overlooked fullbacks, to long snappers and other special teams performers. The Fabulous Fifty also emphasizes players who have exhibited character and other team-oriented traits, not just lofty statistics, or talent.
Lane (Iola, Wisc.) was honored after a season that saw him rank fourth in the FCS in sacks (12.0) and second in tackles-for-loss (22.0). His sack total established a new single-single record at MSU and needs 10 sacks next season to set the career mark for the Racers. He posted a sack in seven games on the season and had at least two sacks in four games.
He finished his junior campaign with 63 tackles, 31 solo, 22 tackles for loss (140 yards), 12 sacks (108 yards), five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one blocked kick.
Lane made his presence known in the game against Illinois State as he recorded two sacks, forced two fumbles, one of which was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown, and added two quarterback hurries.
Against Southeast Missouri, Lane helped the Racers hold off a late comeback attempt by registering a career-best 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and a pass breakup.
Lane may have saved the best for last when he recorded two sacks and three tackles-for-loss as the Racer defense had three fourth-quarter goaline stands in the season finale against #25 Tennessee State.
The Racers finished the 2008 campaign with an overall record of 5-7 and a 4-4 mark in Ohio Valley Conference action.
