Right now, I like my "A" answer, but I have to say that I could be convinced to change my mind if we think we have a baseline infraction.

I'm impressed. There is no way I could post that video on here.

When I watch it again, I think that I can lean toward a possible baseline infraction IF all guidelines are met, which they aren't in the video, but the question creates a hypothetical.

When the fielder extends his arm completely he still missed the runner so much that there's considerable daylight between the end of the fielder's glove and the runner. So I think we can agree that there is a gap that is equal to or greater than three feet.

By the choices given, if we have a baseline violation, a tag is not required so you can't answer "D" if you have a baseline violation.

The only proper answer if you think there is a baseline violation in this instance would be "C"

It would have been a baseline infraction had the fielder held on to the ball. That describes the situation perfectly, which is what the question asks for, and which is why B is also correct. C is a correct statement by itself. A is correct because the fielder didn't hold on to the ball.

So the better of the two answers is probably "B" since it relates to the video.

I can appreciate that argument. B sums up the video better than the other 2 answers. I still think the NCAA is looking for D though.

Say the fielder catches the ball cleanly... the tag begins after that catch and as soon as he starts moving the glove in the direction of the runner. At that instant, the player has already veered considerably to the left (from the camera's perspective). 3 feet from the fielder is not the standard. 3 feet out of HIS basepath that is established the moment a tag attempt begins.

On that standard, this runner is not even remotely close to being 3 feet out of the basepath.

(Also note - there some codes where the fielder here has obstructed, as the runner had to veer when he didn't have the ball)

The NCAA thinks he is.

Thanks Bob & Dash -- I see what you're saying...in A, it says, "in this situation", -- ths situation where F6 dropped the ball...

But if you have a baseline infraction, you don't need a tag, so if you have a baseline infraction (B), you can't answer A, b/c a tag isn't necessary, merely a tag attempt is necessary.

I think the fielder is considered to be in the act of fielding the ball which is why one could eliminate obstruction. I also saw it that way at first that at the time of the invalid tag attempt, R2 had already passed the fielder. But the answer possibilities just don't give us those options.

You must consider each answer independently.

Okay, but if you have a baseline infraction, a tag is not necessary to get an out. I wish is said "tag attempt."

Stop right there. You don't have a baseline infraction in the video because the fielder dropped the ball. There was no tag attempt.