2017 Big Ten Conference Leaders First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/08/2018
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | 4 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 82 | 20.5 |
| 1 | Rutgers | 5 | 37 | 36 | 11 | 84 | 16.8 |
| 3 | Illinois | 4 | 26 | 28 | 9 | 63 | 15.8 |
| 4 | Northwestern | 4 | 31 | 53 | 8 | 92 | 23.0 |
| 4 | Indiana | 4 | 29 | 46 | 8 | 83 | 20.8 |
| 4 | Minnesota | 4 | 40 | 30 | 8 | 78 | 19.5 |
| 4 | Iowa | 5 | 41 | 46 | 8 | 95 | 19.0 |
| 8 | Michigan State | 4 | 35 | 49 | 7 | 91 | 22.8 |
| 8 | Nebraska | 5 | 42 | 57 | 7 | 106 | 21.2 |
| 10 | Ohio State | 5 | 69 | 60 | 6 | 135 | 27.0 |
| 10 | Purdue | 4 | 33 | 46 | 6 | 85 | 21.3 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 4 | 53 | 37 | 5 | 95 | 23.8 |
| 12 | Penn State | 5 | 40 | 61 | 5 | 106 | 21.2 |
| 12 | Michigan | 4 | 36 | 35 | 5 | 76 | 19.0 |