2016 Sun Belt Conference Leaders First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Alabama | 4 | 25 | 52 | 5 | 82 | 20.5 |
| 2 | New Mexico State | 4 | 35 | 48 | 9 | 92 | 23.0 |
| 3 | Troy | 4 | 44 | 43 | 9 | 96 | 24.0 |
| 4 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 4 | 34 | 38 | 6 | 78 | 19.5 |
| 5 | Arkansas State | 4 | 21 | 37 | 5 | 63 | 15.8 |
| 6 | Appalachian State | 4 | 46 | 36 | 4 | 86 | 21.5 |
| 6 | Idaho | 4 | 26 | 36 | 6 | 68 | 17.0 |
| 8 | Louisiana-Monroe | 3 | 24 | 31 | 1 | 56 | 18.7 |
| 9 | Texas State | 3 | 12 | 30 | 3 | 45 | 15.0 |
| 10 | Georgia State | 3 | 8 | 27 | 2 | 37 | 12.3 |
| 11 | Georgia Southern | 4 | 68 | 25 | 11 | 104 | 26.0 |