2016 American Athletic Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 5 | 11 | 43 | 2 | 56 | 11.2 |
| 2 | Navy | 3 | 29 | 25 | 3 | 57 | 19.0 |
| 3 | Tulane | 4 | 30 | 30 | 4 | 64 | 16.0 |
| 3 | UCF | 4 | 33 | 29 | 4 | 66 | 16.5 |
| 3 | Tulsa | 4 | 29 | 35 | 4 | 68 | 17.0 |
| 6 | East Carolina | 4 | 24 | 36 | 5 | 65 | 16.3 |
| 6 | Cincinnati | 4 | 38 | 48 | 5 | 91 | 22.8 |
| 8 | Memphis | 3 | 16 | 23 | 6 | 45 | 15.0 |
| 8 | SMU | 4 | 37 | 53 | 6 | 96 | 24.0 |
| 10 | Connecticut | 5 | 31 | 63 | 7 | 101 | 20.2 |
| 11 | South Florida | 4 | 53 | 38 | 9 | 100 | 25.0 |
| 12 | Temple | 4 | 44 | 24 | 10 | 78 | 19.5 |