Florida’s defense has been or verged on great for many, many years.
The 1990 Gators gave up 171 points in 11 games. The 1991 Gators gave up 191 points despite playing six teams that won nine or more games. In 1995 and 1996, Florida yielded 201 points through the SEC Championship Game — and, well, the 1996 Gators defense acquitted itself nicely in its de facto national championship game.
The 1998 Gators allowed more than 23 points once. Same for the 2001 Gators. The 2006 Gators never allowed 30 points, and shut down one of the most vaunted offenses of the modern era to win it all.