2016 Mid-American Conference Leaders First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akron | 4 | 25 | 53 | 12 | 90 | 22.5 |
| 2 | Northern Illinois | 4 | 38 | 36 | 10 | 84 | 21.0 |
| 3 | Ohio | 4 | 47 | 44 | 9 | 100 | 25.0 |
| 3 | Central Michigan | 4 | 27 | 55 | 9 | 91 | 22.8 |
| 3 | Miami (OH) | 4 | 33 | 42 | 9 | 84 | 21.0 |
| 6 | Toledo | 4 | 43 | 51 | 7 | 101 | 25.3 |
| 6 | Ball State | 4 | 46 | 43 | 7 | 96 | 24.0 |
| 8 | Western Michigan | 4 | 58 | 35 | 6 | 99 | 24.8 |
| 8 | Bowling Green | 4 | 33 | 37 | 6 | 76 | 19.0 |
| 10 | Eastern Michigan | 4 | 38 | 44 | 4 | 86 | 21.5 |
| 10 | Kent State | 4 | 26 | 23 | 4 | 53 | 13.3 |
| 12 | Buffalo | 3 | 29 | 21 | 3 | 53 | 17.7 |