TUSCALOOSA — It started as a gimmick, another wrinkle an opponent had to prepare for.

But Alabama’s wildcat offense, featuring direct snaps to running back Mark Ingram, has become more relevant for the Crimson Tide as its offensive production slowed in recent games.

The wildcat took center stage in the fourth quarter of Alabama’s Oct. 17 victory over South Carolina. With the Gamecocks throttling the Tide’s passing game and rattling quarterback Greg McElroy, Ingram lined up in the wildcat and put the game away.

Ingram carried the ball on all six plays in a 68-yard drive. The first five plays were in the wildcat. On the final play, Ingram took a handoff from McElroy and scored on a 4-yard run that gave Alabama a 20-6 victory.

That was the signature moment for the wildcat to this point. It also capped Ingram’s career-best game. The sophomore from Flint, Mich., ran for 246 yards on 24 carries. It also spawned legitimate Heisman Trophy consideration.

The wildcat may still be a complement, as McElroy and Alabama coach Nick Saban say, but there’s no doubting its effectiveness.

“We’ve been having a lot more success with it now than we had earlier in the season,” Ingram said. “As long as we continue to have success with it, I think we’ll keep going more with it.”

“It’s something that defenses have to prepare for,” said McElroy, who explained why it has been effective. “It adds another blocker and another gap for people to control, because you have to account for the quarterback being able to run the ball, which is Mark or Trent (Richardson) or Roy (Upchurch). The wildcat is a good changeup.”

Saban said Alabama’s success with it is why the team has used it more.

“I think every team will probably play it a little bit different, and you never know for sure how they are going to play it until you get in the game,” the coach said.

But Ingram’s comfort with the scheme is growing.

“Yeah, the more you run it the more comfortable you get in it, the more confidence you have in it,” the running back said. “The more success you have with it the more confidence you’re going to have. That’s just normal with any play or anybody.”

Senior guard Mike Johnson sounded surprised it has been so effective.

“It’s kind of a different look. We still run some pretty base plays out of it,” Johnson said.

Ingram said Alabama has executed the wildcat well, even though it has been simple.

“When we run the wildcat, they know what’s coming,” he said. “Just everybody executing and being on the same page and just getting their assignments is the big thing.”

Of course, Ingram was a bit coy about other uses for the attack. He said Alabama has a couple pass plays out of the formation, “but I don’t know if they’re going to call them.”

LSU coach Les Miles, whose Tigers face Ingram on Saturday, said it’s got less to do with scheme and more to do with skills.

“I just think he’s physical and has speed,” Miles said. “He can make you miss. He’s a very good tailback. He will be as good a tailback as we’ve faced or will face.”

Ingram said he sees the field better — and faster — by taking the direct snap in the wildcat.

“I remember a particular play on Tennessee I saw the cornerback come,” Ingram said. “I just kind of like paused back in the backfield, just an extra step. Whereas, when you’re running a handoff you couldn’t really do that. You have to take your track or it’s going to be a miscommunication on the (exchange). Just kind of see everything a little more. You kind of have a little more control in what you do back there.”

On a couple wildcat looks against Tennessee, instead of flanking McElroy at a wide receiver spot, Alabama substituted McElroy with Richardson.

“It’s just a matter of getting more playmakers on the field,” Ingram said. “If Greg goes out and Trent comes in, they don’t know if I’m going to keep it or hand it. ... You can’t just stack the box or you can get outflanked if I hand it off to him on a sweep. Or if you stay out there, we’ll just pound you.”

The variety doesn’t come with options, however.

Asked if he can read the defense and check to a certain play, Ingram shook his head and smiled.

“No. What they call is what I run,” he said. “They haven’t given me that luxury yet.”