Michigan State was preparing to make its walk from the Kellogg Center to Spartan Stadium, as it does about two hours and 15 minutes before every home game, when the Spartans received some devastating news.

Sophomore corner Josh Butler's father, Steven, had died unexpectedly, and co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett informed the entire team in a meeting.

"So, it was a jolt to our entire team and obviously to Josh," said head coach Mark Dantonio, who added that it's a private matter and didn't want get into too much detail. "Our thoughts and our prayers are with Josh and his family right now."

Josh Butler made the walk down and back on the Spartan Stadium field next to head coach Mark Dantonio before taking on Penn State. Butler and the Spartans found out hours before the game that his father, Steven, had died unexpectedly.

After Butler addressed the team following its walk down and back on the field at Spartan Stadium, he started Saturday's game against Penn State. Butler didn't record any stats in his fourth start of the season and first since the Notre Dame game, but his teammates felt an obligation to step up their game for him.

"It made us play harder, knowing we had to play for our brother," fellow corner Justin Layne said after the game.

Early Sunday morning, Butler sent out a tweet saying the loss of his father was "still hard to believe."

Still hard to believe, it just doesn't feel real, but I know one thing ..no matter what he made sure my brothers & I were taken care of. Sacrificed so much and taught us everything we need to know. I'm going to continue to make you happy dad. I love you RIP DAD see you in heaven. pic.twitter.com/rAhYlK5Vnw — JoshButlerTv?? (@JustBnJosh) November 5, 2017

His teammates also took to Twitter to express their support.

This win was for my brother @JustBnJosh! I? love my brothers????????????Through thick and thin, I? always got your back! #RestEasy???????? pic.twitter.com/UaUCLkp6dL — Chris Frey Jr (@Cfrey_23) November 5, 2017

Good team W Spartan Nation ? this one was for you brother @JustBnJosh — Naquan Jones 9??3?? (@thealmightynay) November 4, 2017

Butler is a third-year sophomore out of Mesquite, Texas.