2021 Independent Leaders Opponent First Downs - Games vs. Ranked Teams Only (AP Poll) through 01/10/2022
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty | 2 | 13 | 21 | 3 | 37 | 18.5 |
| 2 | BYU | 3 | 24 | 31 | 5 | 60 | 20.0 |
| 3 | Army | 1 | 5 | 14 | 3 | 22 | 22.0 |
| 4 | Connecticut | 2 | 15 | 29 | 3 | 47 | 23.5 |
| 5 | New Mexico State | 4 | 39 | 51 | 8 | 98 | 24.5 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 2 | 21 | 28 | 1 | 50 | 25.0 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 1 | 15 | 18 | 2 | 35 | 35.0 |