2016 American Athletic Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games vs. Ranked Teams Only (AP Poll) through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMU | 2 | 23 | 9 | 1 | 33 | 16.5 |
| 2 | Houston | 2 | 15 | 19 | 1 | 35 | 17.5 |
| 3 | Temple | 2 | 16 | 17 | 6 | 39 | 19.5 |
| 4 | Tulsa | 1 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 20 | 20.0 |
| 5 | East Carolina | 3 | 32 | 28 | 4 | 64 | 21.3 |
| 6 | Navy | 2 | 24 | 19 | 0 | 43 | 21.5 |
| 7 | UCF | 3 | 33 | 28 | 6 | 67 | 22.3 |
| 8 | Connecticut | 2 | 28 | 20 | 0 | 48 | 24.0 |
| 9 | Cincinnati | 2 | 29 | 19 | 2 | 50 | 25.0 |
| 10 | Tulane | 1 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 26 | 26.0 |
| 11 | Memphis | 2 | 23 | 30 | 4 | 57 | 28.5 |
| 11 | South Florida | 2 | 36 | 16 | 5 | 57 | 28.5 |