2017 Sun Belt Conference Leaders First Downs - Games vs. FBS Power 5 Conference Teams Only through 01/08/2018
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 2 | 17 | 20 | 1 | 38 | 19.0 |
| 2 | Georgia Southern | 2 | 16 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 11.5 |
| 3 | Appalachian State | 2 | 14 | 22 | 3 | 39 | 19.5 |
| 4 | South Alabama | 2 | 13 | 22 | 2 | 37 | 18.5 |
| 5 | New Mexico State | 2 | 11 | 33 | 1 | 45 | 22.5 |
| 6 | Georgia State | 1 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 7 | Coastal Carolina | 1 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 7 | Troy | 1 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 16 | 16.0 |
| 9 | Louisiana-Monroe | 2 | 6 | 25 | 2 | 33 | 16.5 |
| 9 | Idaho | 1 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 15 | 15.0 |
| 9 | Texas State | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 12.0 |
| 12 | Arkansas State | 1 | 5 | 25 | 2 | 32 | 32.0 |