It was a step forward Saturday for the UCLA football team’s offense, which put together its best half of the season before sputtering in the second half of a 34-17 loss at No. 16 Louisiana State.

After the first two contests produced far more worrisome results, fifth-year senior quarterback Ethan Garbers started the contest with much better rhythm and moved the ball as the Bruins matched the Tigers in an upset-minded first 30 minutes.