2016 Sun Belt Conference Leaders First Downs - Games vs. Ranked Teams Only (AP Poll) through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Troy | 1 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 2 | Georgia Southern | 1 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 20.0 |
| 3 | Louisiana-Monroe | 2 | 12 | 18 | 1 | 31 | 15.5 |
| 3 | Arkansas State | 1 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 14 | 14.0 |
| 5 | Idaho | 1 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 17.0 |
| 5 | Georgia State | 1 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 12.0 |