2012 Mid-American Conference Leaders First Downs - Games vs. Ranked Teams Only (AP Poll) through 01/07/2013
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Michigan | 1 | 10 | 16 | 3 | 29 | 29.0 |
| 2 | Ball State | 2 | 19 | 25 | 5 | 49 | 24.5 |
| 3 | Buffalo | 2 | 15 | 22 | 6 | 43 | 21.5 |
| 3 | Toledo | 2 | 15 | 21 | 7 | 43 | 21.5 |
| 5 | Central Michigan | 1 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 20 | 20.0 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 3 | 23 | 27 | 4 | 54 | 18.0 |
| 7 | Bowling Green | 2 | 14 | 18 | 2 | 34 | 17.0 |
| 7 | Kent State | 1 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 17 | 17.0 |
| 7 | Northern Illinois | 1 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 17 | 17.0 |
| 10 | Eastern Michigan | 1 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 15.0 |
| 10 | Akron | 1 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 15.0 |
| 12 | Miami (Ohio) | 2 | 3 | 17 | 1 | 21 | 10.5 |