PENN STATE Two of Big Ten's top wideouts meet

Illinois' Brandon Lloyd and Penn State's Bryant Johnson key their team's offenses.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Brandon Lloyd and Bryant Johnson might never be on the field at the same time when Illinois visits No. 20 Penn State on Saturday, but the showdown between the two wide receivers might be the most important matchup of the game.
Illinois (3-5, 2-2 Big Ten) has won its last two games by concentrating on the run, with Antonio Harris rushing for more than 195 yards against Purdue and 176 against Indiana.
But Illinois coach Ron Turner knows he can't expect the same against the Penn State (5-3, 2-3), with Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Haynes and Anthony Adams anchoring one of the nation's best defensive lines.
"The defensive line is as big and physical as any we've played or will play this year, and that's really where there defense begins," Turner said. "They're huge, and they're athletic and they're good. We're not just going to line up and pound them. We're going to have to make some plays in the passing game."
Game-breaker
That's where Lloyd comes in. The Big Ten's leading receiver, averaging nearly six catches per game, Lloyd is a 6-foot-2 speedster, capable of breaking any game open in a single play. He is "one of the best single receivers that we've played," said Penn State safety Chris Harrell.
"I don't doubt his skills at all. He's a real good receiver," Penn State wideout Tony Johnson said. "He runs routes precise and makes big plays when they need them. I have a lot of respect for him."
In fact, Lloyd is a lot like Bryant Johnson, who has converted 29 of his 37 catches into first downs.
With three 100-yard performances in the season's first six games, Bryant Johnson was Penn State's go-to receiver. But he had just two catches in the last two games -- only one last week when Penn State's offense sputtered in a 13-7 loss at Ohio State.
Now, getting Johnson back into the offensive flow is a top priority for the Nittany Lions.