Scott Chandler has plenty on his plate.

The New England Patriots tight end will presumably get the start in place of injured All-Pro Rob Gronkowski on Sunday. The former Hawkeye figures to see an increased role in the offense, and could rack up double digit targets for the second time in as many weeks.

And while Chandler is focused on Sunday’s game against the Eagles, he’s emotionally invested in a big showdown on Saturday.

As you can see, Chandler has his Hawkeyes on the brain.

Chandler made sure to give a little “Go Hawks!” With Iowa set to play in its first B1G Championship on Saturday, he gave his former coach a vote of confidence.

“Big game this weekend. Coach (Kirk) Ferentz has done an amazing job this year,” Chandler told ESPN. “He’s been doing it since 1999 there and he’s one of the best coaches in the nation.”

Ferentz, as you’ll recall, was on the hot seat before the start of 2015. He also faced criticism after a six-win season at the end of Chandler’s Iowa career, but the Hawkeyes went on a two-year run in 2008 and 2009 that produced 20 victories, including wins in the Outback Bowl and Orange Bowl.

“It’s funny, because any time they start talking about, ‘He needs to get out of there,’ all of a sudden he rips off a season like this,” Chandler told ESPN. “I think people don’t understand how great of a job he’s done there. I’m proud to have played for him. Such a great man and a great coach.”

If Ferentz can lead Iowa to its first ever College Football Playoff, you can bet Chandler will have another Iowa shirt or two in his rotation next week.