2016 Mid-American Conference Leaders Rushing Defense - Games in August/September Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Att | Yards | Avg. | TD | Att/G | Yards/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Michigan | 4 | 123 | 424 | 3.45 | 3 | 30.75 | 106.00 |
| 2 | Western Michigan | 4 | 126 | 434 | 3.44 | 5 | 31.50 | 108.50 |
| 3 | Ball State | 4 | 133 | 388 | 2.92 | 4 | 33.25 | 97.00 |
| 4 | Ohio | 4 | 138 | 523 | 3.79 | 6 | 34.50 | 130.75 |
| 5 | Eastern Michigan | 4 | 147 | 429 | 2.92 | 4 | 36.75 | 107.25 |
| 6 | Miami (Ohio) | 4 | 148 | 675 | 4.56 | 9 | 37.00 | 168.75 |
| 7 | Toledo | 4 | 152 | 701 | 4.61 | 7 | 38.00 | 175.25 |
| 8 | Kent State | 4 | 164 | 664 | 4.05 | 7 | 41.00 | 166.00 |
| 8 | Buffalo | 3 | 164 | 873 | 5.32 | 7 | 54.67 | 291.00 |
| 10 | Bowling Green | 4 | 178 | 924 | 5.19 | 11 | 44.50 | 231.00 |
| 11 | Akron | 4 | 187 | 801 | 4.28 | 9 | 46.75 | 200.25 |
| 11 | Northern Illinois | 4 | 187 | 945 | 5.05 | 11 | 46.75 | 236.25 |