2016 Sun Belt Conference Leaders First Downs - Games in December/January Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | 2 | 29 | 5 | 4 | 38 | 19.0 |
| 2 | Idaho | 2 | 21 | 23 | 2 | 46 | 23.0 |
| 3 | South Alabama | 2 | 19 | 16 | 0 | 35 | 17.5 |
| 4 | Appalachian State | 1 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 25 | 25.0 |
| 5 | Georgia Southern | 1 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 20 | 20.0 |
| 6 | New Mexico State | 1 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 6 | Arkansas State | 2 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 26 | 13.0 |
| 8 | Troy | 2 | 9 | 27 | 1 | 37 | 18.5 |
| 9 | Texas State | 1 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 15 | 15.0 |
| 10 | Louisiana-Monroe | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 8.0 |
| 11 | Georgia State | 1 | 4 | 12 | 3 | 19 | 19.0 |