2021 American Athletic Conference Leaders First Downs - Games vs. Ranked Teams Only (AP Poll) through 01/10/2022
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Florida | 4 | 36 | 38 | 8 | 82 | 20.5 |
| 2 | Tulane | 4 | 32 | 35 | 5 | 72 | 18.0 |
| 2 | Navy | 3 | 32 | 10 | 7 | 49 | 16.3 |
| 4 | Tulsa | 4 | 31 | 42 | 10 | 83 | 20.8 |
| 5 | Cincinnati | 3 | 18 | 24 | 1 | 43 | 14.3 |
| 6 | SMU | 2 | 13 | 15 | 5 | 33 | 16.5 |
| 7 | East Carolina | 2 | 11 | 22 | 4 | 37 | 18.5 |
| 7 | Temple | 2 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 24 | 12.0 |
| 9 | Memphis | 1 | 7 | 11 | 6 | 24 | 24.0 |
| 9 | Houston | 1 | 7 | 13 | 2 | 22 | 22.0 |
| 11 | UCF | 1 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 14 | 14.0 |