SI.com's 10 most popular stories from the week ending Aug. 29
Here is a roundup of SI.com's 10 most popular stories this week. Be sure to read to the bottom for a bonus story from the SI Vault.
The Greatest Upset of Them All
Leon Halip/Getty Images
Seven years ago, Appalachian State rocked college football with a season-opening upset of Michigan. With the teams poised to meet again, some Mountaineers share their memories of the momentous game. By Andy Staples.
Russell Wilson's entourage
Rod Mar/SI
Step inside Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's inner circle, which sounds an awful lot like the hit HBO show Entourage. By Greg Bishop.
Serena's endgame?
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Serena Williams is the top seed at the U.S. Open and looking for her third straight title. But the focus leading up to the event was her odd exit from Wimbledon. Was it a sign of her final fade - or fuel for resurgence? By S.L. Price.
Silent impact
Mike McGinnis/Getty Images
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 1,609 yards in 2013. Meet the guys who will be clearing the way for the Heisman hopeful this season. A weekend behind the scenes with Wisconsin's offensive line. By Brian Hamilton.
Reason for hope?
Chris O'Meara/AP
The September postseason race is coming. But teams outside of playoff position when the month starts should prepare to be disappointed. By Tom Verducci.
The next best thing
Robert Beck/SI/The MMQB
Working with a new head coach and throwing to a rookie wideout, Philip Rivers completed nearly 70% of his throws while boosting his touchdown total in 2013. A decade into his career, it was all a matter of timing. By Robert Klemko.
The bright spot
Tony Gutierrez/AP
The season has been a mess for the Rangers. Texas has 14 players - with contracts worth $72 million - on the disabled list. But Adrian Beltre, 35, is having one of the best seasons of his career. By Ben Reiter.
Sickening scandal
Jed Jacobsohn/SI
The CEO of Centerplate, a stadium caterer that works with NFL teams, is in the middle of a dog abuse scandal. You shouldn't watch video of the abuse - it'll ruin your week. But you should read what the CEO said about his "minor frustration" and then let Centerplate know it needs to fire him. By George Dohrmann.
Drew Brees unplugged
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
The Saints quarterback on playing until he's 45 ("I really think I can. I think that probably tests human limits."), NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ("I can’t say that I’ve talked to him in three years.") and much more. By Peter King.
Punt, Pass & Pork
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The debut of this weekly column on football and food starts with the key for Texas A&M's offense this season: the play of a unique set of tight ends. Plus, a reconsideration of the best brisket in America. By Andy Staples.
SI Vault Bonus: The Mourning Anchor
This story - one of 60 iconic stories being republished, in full, in honor of Sports Illustrated's 60th anniversary - is a profile of Bryant Gumbel that originally ran in 1988. Gumbel, the face of NBC's Olympics coverage that year, was "alone at the top with the memory of his late father." By Rick Reilly.
