2021 Big Ten Conference Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/10/2022
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wisconsin | 3 | 3 | 24 | 4 | 31 | 10.3 |
| 2 | Minnesota | 4 | 19 | 29 | 7 | 55 | 13.8 |
| 2 | Rutgers | 4 | 25 | 23 | 7 | 55 | 13.8 |
| 4 | Purdue | 4 | 24 | 29 | 6 | 59 | 14.8 |
| 5 | Iowa | 4 | 23 | 33 | 5 | 61 | 15.3 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 5 | 34 | 42 | 6 | 82 | 16.4 |
| 7 | Michigan | 4 | 30 | 30 | 8 | 68 | 17.0 |
| 8 | Maryland | 4 | 27 | 34 | 11 | 72 | 18.0 |
| 9 | Indiana | 4 | 29 | 42 | 5 | 76 | 19.0 |
| 10 | Northwestern | 4 | 31 | 44 | 3 | 78 | 19.5 |
| 11 | Penn State | 4 | 36 | 43 | 10 | 89 | 22.3 |
| 12 | Ohio State | 4 | 31 | 50 | 12 | 93 | 23.3 |
| 13 | Illinois | 5 | 37 | 72 | 8 | 117 | 23.4 |
| 14 | Michigan State | 4 | 38 | 51 | 5 | 94 | 23.5 |