re: Winning this game relies heavily on what?

This is the SEC - with very few exceptions (UGA, Gurley), the teams rely on defense and QB play, like virtually every NFL team.

If our defense and QB outplay their defense and QB, we'll likely win the game. Special teams could be the wildcard here, as ours has been playing hot and cold lately - ST almost lost the Florida game, while they contributed heavily to the decisive victory over Kentucky.