2016 American Athletic Conference Leaders Rushing Defense - Games in August/September Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Att | Yards | Avg. | TD | Att/G | Yards/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 5 | 129 | 210 | 1.63 | 2 | 25.80 | 42.00 |
| 2 | Memphis | 3 | 88 | 322 | 3.66 | 2 | 29.33 | 107.33 |
| 3 | Connecticut | 5 | 155 | 591 | 3.81 | 8 | 31.00 | 118.20 |
| 4 | Cincinnati | 4 | 161 | 525 | 3.26 | 3 | 40.25 | 131.25 |
| 5 | UCF | 4 | 157 | 530 | 3.38 | 7 | 39.25 | 132.50 |
| 6 | Tulane | 4 | 175 | 557 | 3.18 | 6 | 43.75 | 139.25 |
| 7 | SMU | 4 | 151 | 592 | 3.92 | 5 | 37.75 | 148.00 |
| 8 | Tulsa | 4 | 163 | 623 | 3.82 | 9 | 40.75 | 155.75 |
| 9 | East Carolina | 4 | 139 | 647 | 4.65 | 9 | 34.75 | 161.75 |
| 10 | Navy | 3 | 117 | 492 | 4.21 | 3 | 39.00 | 164.00 |
| 11 | Temple | 4 | 180 | 725 | 4.03 | 9 | 45.00 | 181.25 |
| 12 | South Florida | 4 | 208 | 961 | 4.62 | 9 | 52.00 | 240.25 |