A day before the fiercest rivalry in the Southeastern Conference plays out on the gridiron, LSU and Alabama will duke it out in the pool, at 2 p.m. Friday in the LSU Natatorium.

LSU swimming coach Dave Geyer summed up Friday’s meet in just a few words.

“It’s LSU and Alabama,” Geyer said. “Plain and simple.”

Geyer said LSU and Alabama have come together to produce some of the most exciting conference dual meets in his seven years at LSU.

“It really brings out the best in both programs every time we come together,” Geyer said. “It doesn’t matter what time of the year, what part of the season, who’s sick, who feels great, who’s on top of the water or who’s drowning.”

LSU diving coach Doug Shaffer said while the LSU, Alabama matchup is exciting in every sport, this year’s dual meet figures to be especially competitive.

“We have two very well matched up teams, and if there’s an event LSU fans want to see in swimming and diving, this would be one to come to,” Shaffer said. “This is our home pool. This group has really stepped up to the plate every single time we’ve challenged them.”