Tyler Hilinski, Washington State QB who started vs. MSU in Holiday Bowl, found dead

Michigan State football players, fans and the college football world in general all saw the shocking news late Tuesday evening: Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinksi was found dead of an apparent suicide.

According to USA TODAY Sports, officers went to his apartment to do a welfare check on him after he missed practice. Hilinski was found dead with a gunshot wound to his head, and a rifle and suicide note nearby.

The news hit hard for, as we saw on Twitter, Spartan players. Michigan State was the last team to play against Hilinski in live action, when the Spartans defeated the Cougars, 42-17, in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28.

Hilinski, who started the game in place of the injured Luke Falk, was 39 of 50 for 272 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, and also ran for 10 yards.

Having been the last players to share the field with Hilinski, MSU players shared their thoughts and prayers with the Cougar family on Twitter.

Coach Mark Dantonio sent his condolences:

From his QB counterpart, MSU signal-caller Brian Lewerke:

MSU's defense speaks up:

Follow digital sports producer Phil Friend on Twitter @Phil_Friend.