MADISON, Wis. -- Fans expected -- and got -- a quieter Camp Randall on Saturday night as the University of Wisconsin's Marching Band was not there to lend its boisterous support.

TALKBACK: What Do You Think?

The area normally reserved for the band was replaced Saturday with about 350 UW seniors, beneficiaries of the school's decision to fill the area instead of having an empty reminder of what has transpired with the band over the last couple of days.

Allegations of hazing prompted band director Mike Leckrone to suspend its performances, which dampened the mood at the stadium following Saturday's tough 20-17 loss to Ohio State. Recorded music was utilized instead.

While most wouldn't argue that the absence of the UW marching band had any real impact on Saturday's loss, many at Camp Randall definitely noted things didn't seem quite right without the band in attendance.

WISC-TV got reaction from fans as they left Camp Randall, and the absence of the band did not go unnoticed by the Badger faithful. One fan said bluntly, "if the band is not there, I mean, what kind of ballgame is it?" Another fan described the mood in Camp Randall as "somber," while still others said it was "disappointing," but that "the fans were very energetic."

Members of the UW marching band were allowed to attend Saturday's game, but only if they had tickets.

While the band was missing, there were extra Madison police officers around Camp Randall -- about double the 20 normally reserved for Badger football games -- for the season's first night game.

After the game, officers headed to State Street and to house parties to check for underage drinking.