2016 Sun Belt Conference Leaders Total Defense - Games in August/September Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush Yards | Pass Yards | Plays | Total Yards | Yards/Play | Yards/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Southern | 4 | 311 | 912 | 242 | 1223 | 5.05 | 305.8 |
| 2 | South Alabama | 4 | 960 | 605 | 262 | 1565 | 5.97 | 391.3 |
| 3 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 4 | 461 | 1136 | 301 | 1597 | 5.31 | 399.3 |
| 4 | Troy | 4 | 467 | 1161 | 316 | 1628 | 5.15 | 407.0 |
| 5 | Appalachian State | 4 | 581 | 1099 | 267 | 1680 | 6.29 | 420.0 |
| 6 | Idaho | 4 | 823 | 1007 | 291 | 1830 | 6.29 | 457.5 |
| 7 | Georgia State | 3 | 976 | 410 | 252 | 1386 | 5.50 | 462.0 |
| 8 | Louisiana-Monroe | 3 | 872 | 560 | 247 | 1432 | 5.80 | 477.3 |
| 9 | Arkansas State | 4 | 957 | 1021 | 316 | 1978 | 6.26 | 494.5 |
| 10 | New Mexico State | 4 | 1098 | 940 | 298 | 2038 | 6.84 | 509.5 |
| 11 | Texas State | 3 | 706 | 954 | 245 | 1660 | 6.78 | 553.3 |