2017 Mid-American Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/08/2018
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ball State | 5 | 42 | 55 | 4 | 101 | 20.2 |
| 2 | Western Michigan | 5 | 44 | 37 | 6 | 87 | 17.4 |
| 3 | Ohio | 5 | 34 | 59 | 7 | 100 | 20.0 |
| 4 | Buffalo | 5 | 62 | 34 | 8 | 104 | 20.8 |
| 5 | Eastern Michigan | 4 | 24 | 30 | 9 | 63 | 15.8 |
| 6 | Northern Illinois | 4 | 23 | 32 | 10 | 65 | 16.3 |
| 6 | Bowling Green | 5 | 60 | 59 | 10 | 129 | 25.8 |
| 8 | Toledo | 4 | 45 | 29 | 11 | 85 | 21.3 |
| 9 | Miami (Ohio) | 5 | 36 | 39 | 13 | 88 | 17.6 |
| 10 | Central Michigan | 5 | 35 | 50 | 14 | 99 | 19.8 |
| 10 | Akron | 5 | 34 | 52 | 14 | 100 | 20.0 |
| 12 | Kent State | 5 | 48 | 49 | 20 | 117 | 23.4 |