2021 Big Ten Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games vs. Non-Conference Teams Only through 01/10/2022
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 4 | 18 | 28 | 7 | 53 | 13.3 |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 4 | 19 | 24 | 3 | 46 | 11.5 |
| 3 | Northwestern | 3 | 20 | 33 | 2 | 55 | 18.3 |
| 4 | Nebraska | 3 | 21 | 28 | 3 | 52 | 17.3 |
| 5 | Maryland | 4 | 23 | 34 | 9 | 66 | 16.5 |
| 5 | Indiana | 3 | 23 | 32 | 3 | 58 | 19.3 |
| 7 | Illinois | 3 | 24 | 40 | 10 | 74 | 24.7 |
| 8 | Michigan | 4 | 29 | 33 | 6 | 68 | 17.0 |
| 8 | Iowa | 4 | 29 | 38 | 7 | 74 | 18.5 |
| 10 | Rutgers | 4 | 30 | 30 | 8 | 68 | 17.0 |
| 10 | Michigan State | 4 | 30 | 56 | 7 | 93 | 23.3 |
| 12 | Purdue | 4 | 31 | 33 | 9 | 73 | 18.3 |
| 13 | Ohio State | 4 | 32 | 49 | 13 | 94 | 23.5 |
| 14 | Penn State | 4 | 40 | 37 | 8 | 85 | 21.3 |