Rules are rules, and Hawaii coach Greg McMackin had enough when the no-passing zone was not enforced during Thursday’s practice.

In an impromptu lesson on defending the right flat, McMackin demanded that cornerback Tank Hopkins jam wideout Royce Pollard. McMackin then went into a stance, and thrust his open hands onto the “81” on Pollard’s jersey.

“That’s how we want it done,” McMackin said.

On the ensuing play, Hopkins batted away a pass.

“I haven’t been jammed (in practice) since JP (Jo-Pierre Davis) and Jameel Dowling were here,” Pollard said. “My initial reaction was, ‘Whoa.’ My arm was ready to chop it down. But for the sake of learning and teaching, I had to be the example.”

In practices between last week’s 40-20 loss to Nevada-Las Vegas and Saturday’s game against UC Davis, the emphasis has been on correcting fundamentals.

“All we’re doing now is coaching hard,” McMackin said. “We’re trying to get better. I want everything done the right way.”

Pollard said: “He’s making sure everybody’s mind is right. The little things are what counts for big plays.”

The Warriors appear to have set their starting lineup. Despite a sore left foot and left shoulder, Clayton Laurel will start at left tackle. Laurel undergoes thrice-daily treatments for both ailments.

“Practicing a little bit helped it out,” Laurel said.

The other starters on the line are left guard Brett Leonard, center Matagisila Lefiti, right guard Andrew Faaumu and right tackle Levi Legay. Lefiti, who was on crutches after the UNLV game, is walking without a limp.

McMackin said right slotback Miah Ostrowski will miss his second consecutive game. Ostrowski has a strained Lisfranc joint near the top of his right foot. It is a painful injury that makes it difficult to make cuts.

Justin Clapp, who caught two scoring passes against UNLV, will start at right slot.