Irish captain and linebacker Manti Te'o will play in the game against Michigan State despite incredible personal heartbreak this week.

Over the last two days, Notre Dame football's man of faith, loss both his grandmother and girlfriend.

Manti's grandmother passed away on Tuesday. Just 24 hours later, his girlfriend lost her battle with leukemia.

Despite the overwhelming emotion, Te'o continues to practice with the team and will play in the game at Michigan State Saturday night.

Irish coach Brian Kelly says the Notre Dame players have rallied around Manti to lend support.

"He lost some people very close to him," Irish coach Brian Kelly said Thursday. "It's obviously taken a toll on him. Our players have been there for him--there has been a great support. Unfortunately he's gone through a very rough 48 hours. He's a strong man and he's going through a tough time but he'll rise to the occasion."

Kelly says he has talked to Manti about whether Te'o would need to go back to Hawaii to be with his loved ones. The Irish on the bye starting September 23 but Te'o may need to go back sooner than that.

Manti could return to Hawaii sometime next week.