YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) (September 9, 2000) -- Eddie Tillitz returned two punts for touchdowns as Miami University defeated Eastern Michigan 34-17 Saturday afternoon in the MAC opener for both teams.

Tillitz finished the game with 162 punt return yards on five attempts, breaking the MAC record of 153, set by Dave Phillips of Ohio University in 1950 (vs. Western Reserve). Tillitz also tied the NCAA Division I-A record for punt returns for a TD with two. The most recent player to accomplish the feat was Utah's Steve Smith in 1999 (vs. New Mexico.)

The two touchdown returns also helped Miami snap a dubious streak. The RedHawks had not scored a touchdown on a punt return since Oct. 19, 1974 -- a streak of 283 games. That was the country's longest streak without a touchdown via the punt return.

"We worked extremely hard on punt and kickoff returns during spring practice, and after two weeks, we're glad we're seeing some dividends in that department," said Miami coach Terry Hoeppner. "Eddie did a great job today and gave us the lift we needed.

"Eastern Michigan was well prepared. We knew this would be a tough game. We were not surprised at all by their effort, or their talent or skill."

Tillitz opened the game's scoring with a 53-yard return of a Nick Avondet punt with 10:07 left in the first quarter. His second TD gave the RedHawks (2-0, 1-0 Mid-American) a 27-10 lead with an 82-yard return with 1:55 left in the third.

"Both punt returns were momentum lifters," said Hoeppner. "They really came at a key part of the game for us."

Tillitz also led Miami with four receptions for 99 yards, helping Mike Bath finish with 13 completions in 29 attempts for 232 yards. Steve Little was the game's top rusher with 13 carries for 79 yards, including a 29-yard TD run with 10:46 left in the fourth quarter. Cal Murray also scored a rushing TD, a 2-yard carry early in the first quarter, which put Miami in front 14-0.

John White led the Eagles (1-1, 0-1) with 21 carries for 63 yards and a 1-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter. Walter Church completed 23 of 43 passes for 228 yards, including a 3-yard scoring pass to Matt Kelly with 4:02 left in the second quarter.

The RedHawks' Andy Brumbergs kicked field goals of 32 and 25 yards. He has converted 13 of his last 15 goal attempts, with the two misses coming from 55 and 49 yards.

Miami now readies for one of the more anticipated games in recent school history. The RedHawks face Ohio State at noon (ESPN Regional) next Saturday in Columbus. It is the first meeting between the two schools since 1911.