2016 Sun Belt Conference Leaders First Downs - Games vs. Conference Teams Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appalachian State | 8 | 96 | 69 | 15 | 180 | 22.5 |
| 2 | Louisiana-Monroe | 8 | 88 | 75 | 15 | 178 | 22.3 |
| 3 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 8 | 86 | 57 | 13 | 156 | 19.5 |
| 4 | New Mexico State | 8 | 82 | 84 | 15 | 181 | 22.6 |
| 5 | Arkansas State | 8 | 78 | 82 | 11 | 171 | 21.4 |
| 5 | Georgia Southern | 8 | 78 | 61 | 11 | 150 | 18.8 |
| 7 | Troy | 8 | 70 | 98 | 18 | 186 | 23.3 |
| 8 | South Alabama | 8 | 65 | 85 | 10 | 160 | 20.0 |
| 9 | Idaho | 8 | 59 | 106 | 18 | 183 | 22.9 |
| 10 | Georgia State | 8 | 46 | 89 | 16 | 151 | 18.9 |
| 10 | Texas State | 8 | 46 | 74 | 13 | 133 | 16.6 |