2016 Big Ten Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games in December/January Only through 01/09/2017
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 1 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 11.0 |
| 2 | Michigan | 1 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 15 | 15.0 |
| 2 | Maryland | 1 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 15.0 |
| 4 | Minnesota | 1 | 4 | 11 | 1 | 16 | 16.0 |
| 5 | Northwestern | 1 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 18 | 18.0 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 2 | 12 | 25 | 2 | 39 | 19.5 |
| 7 | Indiana | 1 | 12 | 8 | 1 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 8 | Ohio State | 1 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 24 | 24.0 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 25 | 25.0 |
| 10 | Penn State | 2 | 17 | 32 | 6 | 55 | 27.5 |