AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Brandon Cox threw a 34-yard scoring pass to Rod Smith in the final minutes and Brad Lester rushed for a career-high 96 yards as Number 23 Auburn held on for a 17-3 victory over Mississippi.

Patrick Lee set up the drive with an interception in the end zone for the Tigers.

The Rebels were double-digit underdogs and are still seeking their first league win.

Smith caught eight passes for a career-high 111 yards. Auburn's Brad Lester

Lester carried the ball 23 times and scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter.

Auburn got a scare late in the first half when Cox headed for the locker room with more than three minutes left with what turned out to be a bruise on his nonthrowing shoulder.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)