2018 Mid-American Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/07/2019
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akron | 3 | 21 | 36 | 7 | 64 | 21.3 |
| 2 | Ohio | 4 | 32 | 59 | 5 | 96 | 24.0 |
| 3 | Northern Illinois | 5 | 37 | 52 | 8 | 97 | 19.4 |
| 4 | Toledo | 4 | 39 | 44 | 6 | 89 | 22.3 |
| 5 | Western Michigan | 5 | 45 | 37 | 7 | 89 | 17.8 |
| 6 | Ball State | 5 | 48 | 57 | 10 | 115 | 23.0 |
| 7 | Miami (Ohio) | 5 | 49 | 57 | 13 | 119 | 23.8 |
| 8 | Central Michigan | 5 | 50 | 39 | 14 | 103 | 20.6 |
| 8 | Kent State | 5 | 50 | 59 | 14 | 123 | 24.6 |
| 10 | Buffalo | 5 | 51 | 35 | 9 | 95 | 19.0 |
| 11 | Eastern Michigan | 5 | 52 | 39 | 8 | 99 | 19.8 |
| 12 | Bowling Green | 5 | 72 | 27 | 9 | 108 | 21.6 |