TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Keith Miles has been around the Florida A&M football program for nearly a half century and doesn’t remember any game when the school’s famed Marching 100 band didn’t perform. Until now.

The football team is home alone this fall with the band suspended in the aftermath of last November’s hazing-related death of drum major Robert Champion following the Rattlers’ final game of the 2011 season. Recording artist FUTURE is filling in as the halftime entertainment for Saturday’s game against Hampton.

“There’s going to be some music, (but) it won’t be coming from the band,’ Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor said Tuesday. “There’s going to be a lot of music and a football game. We’re going to find a way to still enjoy it and have a good time.”

Florida A&M (0-2) looks to bounce back from a 59-13 defeat last week at fifth-ranked Oklahoma when the Rattlers begin their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule against Hampton (0-2).

The halftime shows featuring marching bands has long been more of a main attraction at games involving Historically Black Colleges and Universities than during other NCAA contests. Perhaps none are better known than the exuberant, high-stepping Marching 100.

Like many of his teammates, left tackle Robert Hartley said he’s never seen the band perform, spending the halftime break in the locker room.

Although Florida A&M attendance has averaged about 15,000 for home games in recent seasons, Miles said he’s hopeful fans will pack the 25,000-seat Bragg Stadium as a show of support for the university during one of its most difficult times that has among other things led to the abrupt resignation of President James Ammons.

• Associated Press