2016 Mid-American Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games vs. Conference Teams Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | 9 | 63 | 97 | 13 | 173 | 19.2 |
| 2 | Miami (Ohio) | 8 | 66 | 72 | 20 | 158 | 19.8 |
| 2 | Toledo | 8 | 66 | 95 | 12 | 173 | 21.6 |
| 2 | Ball State | 8 | 66 | 124 | 12 | 202 | 25.3 |
| 5 | Central Michigan | 8 | 67 | 76 | 13 | 156 | 19.5 |
| 6 | Bowling Green | 8 | 70 | 84 | 14 | 168 | 21.0 |
| 7 | Western Michigan | 9 | 79 | 82 | 11 | 172 | 19.1 |
| 7 | Northern Illinois | 8 | 79 | 93 | 16 | 188 | 23.5 |
| 9 | Eastern Michigan | 8 | 81 | 107 | 13 | 201 | 25.1 |
| 10 | Kent State | 8 | 93 | 68 | 11 | 172 | 21.5 |
| 11 | Buffalo | 8 | 95 | 68 | 10 | 173 | 21.6 |
| 12 | Akron | 8 | 105 | 69 | 7 | 181 | 22.6 |