Brown did not see any game action in 1985 or 1986 when Jim Harbaugh was Michigan's starting quarterback.
[5] In November 1987, Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler said of Brown: "I don't know if you like him or not, but that is one tough kid.
"[5]Brown and running back Jamie Morris led Michigan to a 28–24 victory over Alabama in the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl.
[9] The 1987 Michigan team led by Brown compiled an 8–4 record and outscored opponents 331 to 172.
[1][2] At the beginning of the 1988 season, Brown faced eligibility issues due to academic deficiencies.
[2] Brown led the 1988 team to a Big Ten Conference championship with five consecutive wins at the end of the regular season.
Brown's performance helped Michigan defeat Ohio State, 34–31, to win the Big Ten football championship and a berth in the Rose Bowl.
Prior to the game, USC defensive back Tracy Butts predicted that the Trojans would intercept four passes off Brown.