SI.com's 10 most popular stories from the week ending Oct. 3

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.

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.

Questions left unanswered 

Vincent Pugliese/Getty Images

For friends and family of former Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas, the disturbing details that have emerged about the final hour before his death are hard to reconcile with the carefree man they knew. By Robert Klemko.

The hunt for a title

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

All eight remaining teams can make good cases for winning the World Series. Here's a preview of each team and their paths to victory. Or elimination. By Tom Verducci.

One last time

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Since entering the game 15 years ago, Landon Donovan has become the face of U.S. soccer. Now, before his final game with the U.S. men's national team, the icon looks back on his career and ahead to future goals off the field. By Grant Wahl.

Hit and miss

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Michigan’s mishandling of quarterback Shane Morris’ concussion shows what still needs to be done to protect players. By Andy Staples, Martin Rickman & Lindsay Schnell

The star returner

Jed Jacobsohn/SI

With his dangerous combination of speed, toughness and vision, kick returner Ty Montgomery has established himself as one of Stanford’s best weapons. Montgomery and teammates on what makes him tick. By Lindsay Schnell.

Sticking with the plan

Rocky Widner/NBA via Getty Images

Hornets forward Jeff Taylor was recently arrested on charges of domestic assault, sparking discussion on whether the NBA’s domestic violence policy is too lenient. But the league won’t be so quick to change. By Michael McCann.

A new take on the game

Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images

Though the use of advanced stats in hockey has been slow to catch on, more and more NHL teams are hiring statistical analysis bloggers in the hopes that they’ll help fix their game. By Michael Blinn.

Stepping up in Dallas

Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

After three seasons with the Rockets, Chandler Parsons is moving to Dallas, where’s he’s ready to prove that he’s not just a role player. By Rob Mahoney.

Bulls-eye on the prize

Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

With the addition of Pau Gasol, the Bulls enter the season with their best chance of winning an NBA title since the Jordan days. A look inside the new era of the Chicago Bulls. By Jeremy Woo.

When in London

Nicky Hayes/Getty Images

Is the NFL on its way to establishing a franchise in London? A look at if and how American football can succeed overseas. By Jenny Vrentas.

SI Vault: The Mantle of the Babe

John G. Zimmerman/SI

This story – one of 60 iconic stories being republished, in full, in honor of Sports Illustrated's 60th anniversary – was published in 1956, chronicling Mickey Mantle’s quest to reach the legendary status of another Yankee, Babe Ruth. By Robert Creamer.