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Who's Hot

BRAVES

They may not get to the playoffs, but, wow, just the fact that they're this close! Eight-and-a-half games out of the wild card on Sept. 9, Atlanta won 14 of 16 through Sunday to close within 2½ of Colorado. The Braves finish at home against the Nats. Said third baseman Chipper Jones (right), "We feel good."

BRANDON BANKS

What happy returns for Kansas State's senior—he brought back kickoffs 91 and 92 yards for TDs last Saturday against Tennessee Tech. "I just ran," he explained. Those weren't the only big plays for the little fella (5'7", 150): As a wideout, Banks took a short pass 64 yards.

EXCITING IRISH

Notre Dame is 3--1, and the thrill is in the details. Three straight games have been decided in the final minute, including last Saturday's win at Purdue on a TD pass by hobbled QB (right). Now the fun part: Washington, USC and BC the next three weeks at home.

SHAQ

With the NBA off-season ending—and, seriously, Shaq vs. was better than you thought, right?—the newest Cavalier was welcomed to Cleveland at a restaurant bash. Said Shaq approvingly of his new town, "Everything is here. The Browns are here, LeBron is here and now I'm here."

Who's Not