2017 Sun Belt Conference Leaders First Downs - Games vs. Ranked Teams Only (AP Poll) through 01/08/2018
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia State | 1 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 2 | Louisiana-Monroe | 2 | 13 | 24 | 4 | 41 | 20.5 |
| 3 | Troy | 2 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 27 | 13.5 |
| 4 | Appalachian State | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 12.0 |
| 4 | South Alabama | 1 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 |
| 6 | Georgia Southern | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 8.0 |