2017 Sun Belt Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games in December/January Only through 01/08/2018
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coastal Carolina | 1 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 16.0 |
| 2 | Georgia Southern | 1 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 17 | 17.0 |
| 3 | Appalachian State | 2 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 26 | 13.0 |
| 3 | South Alabama | 1 | 3 | 23 | 0 | 26 | 26.0 |
| 3 | Idaho | 1 | 9 | 16 | 1 | 26 | 26.0 |
| 3 | Louisiana-Monroe | 1 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 26 | 26.0 |
| 7 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 1 | 17 | 10 | 0 | 27 | 27.0 |
| 8 | Arkansas State | 2 | 5 | 22 | 4 | 31 | 15.5 |
| 9 | Georgia State | 2 | 9 | 25 | 1 | 35 | 17.5 |
| 10 | New Mexico State | 2 | 11 | 29 | 3 | 43 | 21.5 |
| 11 | Troy | 2 | 11 | 37 | 6 | 54 | 27.0 |