2017 Mid-American Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games vs. FBS Power 5 Conference Teams Only through 01/08/2018
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ball State | 1 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 14.0 |
| 2 | Eastern Michigan | 2 | 9 | 16 | 6 | 31 | 15.5 |
| 3 | Buffalo | 1 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 21 | 21.0 |
| 4 | Central Michigan | 3 | 24 | 33 | 7 | 64 | 21.3 |
| 5 | Northern Illinois | 3 | 31 | 33 | 2 | 66 | 22.0 |
| 6 | Western Michigan | 2 | 24 | 22 | 0 | 46 | 23.0 |
| 7 | Akron | 2 | 14 | 26 | 7 | 47 | 23.5 |
| 8 | Ohio | 2 | 19 | 27 | 2 | 48 | 24.0 |
| 9 | Toledo | 1 | 12 | 13 | 2 | 27 | 27.0 |
| 10 | Bowling Green | 2 | 28 | 26 | 1 | 55 | 27.5 |
| 11 | Kent State | 2 | 24 | 26 | 7 | 57 | 28.5 |